Discusses academic library collection-development theory and policy. Suggests that a standard collection of works specific to each discipline (a canon), is a powerful tool because such canons can censor the works that fall outside of the prevailing norms, the hegemony of the discipline. (LRW)

This examination of the issue of intellectual freedom in academic libraries provides examples of recent controversies, and argues that the library's response to such controversies provides an opportunity to emphasize its educational role. It is noted that academic libraries are full of controversial materials, and that this is necessary if the…

Describes a study of conservative and liberal journals that was conducted to determine whether academic libraries have been developing balanced collections in these areas. Issues of censorship and bias in collection development are discussed; and the influence of abstracting/indexing availability and journal age on selection are considered. (12…

Presents a 1992 study which discovered and investigated collection development bias in academic and public libraries in California. The investigation was carried out in five stages: (1) selected a controversial topic; (2) identified representative works; (3) ranked works by qualified judges; (4) measured holdings via library online computer…

Argues that conflicts existing within the professional value system of librarianship have made it difficult for librarians to fulfill their obligation to represent fairly the values and viewpoints of all segments of society. Professional goals and ideals that demonstrate such conflicts are discussed, and possible means to their resolution are…

Describes an exchange program between academic libraries in Sichuan Province and Washington State University, and discusses the Chinese approach to academic librarianship in the areas of management and personnel, access and circulation, automation, reference services, collection development and censorship, and library facilities. (CLB)

Discusses variations between academic and public libraries for librarians contemplating a career change from academic to public librarianship. Highlights include the political atmosphere of public libraries; library boards; organizational goals; collection development; censorship issues; diversity; employment process; the future of public…

Six articles address issues of censorship and sexuality in libraries. Highlights include: surveys of censorship in North Carolina, acceptable use policies for the Internet, perceptions of librarians' sexuality, the proprietary nature of corporate library holdings, contemporary views and interpretation of First Amendment rights, and collection…