The year 2009 will be remembered as one of angst, with the economy dominating news around the world. Few libraries were immune to the extraordinary financial pressures. The library marketplace by year's end was in a weakened position, with prospects of a long recovery at best. Concern persists that even deeper budget cuts will come when federal…

Comparative data are given on prices of periodicals within subject authority groups. Price comparisons for foreign and domestic periodicals and average prices paid by different types of libraries are also given. (PF)

This is the first in a series of articles describing the many aspects of the community of libraries which has been coalescing under the aegis of the Federal Library Committee. (Author)

Reports on the Santa Clara County Library (CA) and its director, Susan Fuller, who was named Librarian of the Year for 1999. Highlights include use statistics; budgets; a new governing and funding plan; first amendment challenges; staff solidarity; and political awareness and skills. (LRW)

Examines changes in periodicals costs and the effect of electronic journals and other issues on future costs and budgeting for libraries. Eleven tables reflect cost trends by subject and by country. Sidebars present price trends and cost projections for periodicals in public, school, and academic libraries. (AEF)

Shares thoughts and concerns of library distributor executives about current trends in the academic library marketplace, changes in vendor services, and the impact of shrinking library budgets. Reports that vendors expect increases in electronic interactions with libraries, use of standards, and vendor supplied technical services and materials…

A survey of 486 public libraries found that audiovisual (AV) budgets have increased 53% in the last five years. Provides data on average size of AV collections; budget break downs; circulation; audiobook, video, and music CD purchases; popular authors and titles in abridged and unabridged audiobooks; and problems with audiobook, video, and music…

Discusses factors for libraries to consider when starting and maintaining an audiobook collection, including patron profiles; funding and budgeting; selection and ordering; listener preferences, including abridged versus unabridged titles; packaging and appearance; shelving and location; and future possibilities. A sidebar provides detailed…

Addresses issues of safety and security in libraries. Topics discussed include keeping library collections safe; patron behavioral problems; factoring loss into the budget; staff theft; access versus security; apathy regarding library crime; a need for a unified security apparatus; preventive measures; staff and patron safety; and a…

Reports on the book-buying trends and predilections of libraries at two-year colleges, four-year colleges, universities, and large research institutions. Four tables and figures show findings for purchasing power of academic libraries; areas academic librarians believe need more titles; most-bought book categories; and sources used to make…