Analyzes employment statistics of Association of Research Libraries members, relates data to patterns of library collection growth and decline during those years, and speculates on future staffing. Variables used to measure personnel are the number of professionals, nonprofessionals, full time staff, and ratio of professionals to full time staff.…

Discusses some of the people and events that influenced academic journal publishing in the past 30-40 years and how this may affect the future. Topics considered include changes in printing technology, automation of accounting and subscriber information, economic considerations, library collection development and funding, and electronic journals.…

The 25 papers presented at this symposium focus on the future of libraries and library services in an ever evolving Information Age. The papers deal with topics such as: economic and political issues in determining the future of the professionally managed library; adding value to library services; the need for librarians and library educators who…

This reexamination of earlier forecasts and statistics related to research library growth--Purdue studies first published in 1965, data and forecasts from Fremont Rider's 1944 book--shows mixed results for evidence of continuing rapid growth of collections and acquisition expenditures and marked decline in acquisition rates. (16 references) (EJS)

Examines current perceptions of cooperative collection management among libraries as well as possible alternative futures. Highlights include relationships between access, delivery, and the collections; integrated resource sharing; and resource sharing as a social model, including paradigm shifts involving networks based on users rather than…

Discusses the common forms of book aid for libraries in Pacific countries. Topics include the nature of aid programs; problems arising from donations; types of book aid, which include clearinghouses; "twinning", mentor, friendship or sponsorship arrangements, interest groups, and unsolicited donations; collection development and…

Describes the Amistad Research Center housed at Tulane University which is a repository of primary documents on African-American history. Topics addressed include the development and growth of the collection; inclusion of the American Missionary Association archives; sources of support; civil rights; and collecting for the future. (LRW)

Discusses consortium-based licensing as a means of meeting libraries' information resources needs. Topics include information needs, the need for more affordable information, requirements for libraries and for vendors, competition across disciplines, saving money, pricing and market practices, experiences at OhioLINK, and future possibilities.…

Describes the in-house operational procedures developed at the Penn State University libraries to produce facsimiles of hard-to-locate, out-of-print titles using digital scanning technologies. Highlights include identification and selection, costs, copyright issues, interlibrary loan, materials preparation, and future trends. (Author/LRW)

The transition to a digital environment offers new opportunities for cooperative collection development but raises questions about models based on a print environment. Examines assumptions related to cooperative collection development and resource sharing, discusses directions future cooperation in information resources might take, and suggests…

Discusses DVD (digital video disc) technology and considers its future possibilities. Highlights include laserdiscs, DVDs in academic-library collections, public-library experiences with DVDs, and problems with changes in video formats and technological obsolescence. (LRW)

Examines the history of abridged audio publishing 10 years after the formation of the Audio Publishers Association. Topics include abridged versus unabridged versions for bookstores and libraries; vendors and publishers; future possibilities for CDs and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc); and audio leasing for libraries. (LRW)

Library profession must begin to accurately assess needs of older adults, expand library services to this population, and develop new services. Large-print library collections, as one service to elderly, will need to be increased in size and scope. Librarians and other service providers must work more closely in future. (Author/NB)

Discussion of videocassette lending by public libraries emphasizes the need for a video policy and discusses: (1) needs assessment; (2) planning; (3) the new video client; (4) workload; (5) budget; (6) access for minors; and (7) competition with video stores. (four references) (MES)

Discusses collection development in research libraries and the need for collaboration. Topics include quantity versus quality; a future vision of libraries; the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) as an example of cooperative collection development; users' information needs; and the use of telecommunications. (LRW)