This column assesses the state of library and information studies (LIS) research. Researchers and practitioners in various LIS fields address questions related to the research front and agenda for collection development; what the field needs to advance further; whether it needs a more sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework; operational…

This book has three purposes: to provide a perspective for looking at how traditional reference service "fits" in with new trends and issues; to document the myriad ways in which day-to-day library services are being transformed by changes in technology, culture, and staffing; and to offer guidance and advice for evolving reference services to…

Reference librarians must determine the unique information needs of patrons and develop and market appropriate collections and services. The changing instructional paradigm in education provides an opportunity for encouraging information use and literacy for the educational community. Discussion includes information seeking and library use by…

Suggests that to reach those responsible for funding, librarians need to be more assertive in making the school library's role and services understood. Discusses maintaining visibility, using every opportunity to tout new materials and services, having credibility and knowing the collection, making libraries comfortable and accessible, and…

Examines issues and trends surrounding the changing library environment, and how changes have influenced the role of librarians. Analysis of the library environment in the past, present, and future included four elements: (1) role of the librarian; (2) library collections; (3) technologies; and (4) users' needs. (AEF)

This document provides a history of the National College of Education libraries from 1920 through 1978. The research process consisted of five major activities: (1) locating and collecting information from written sources; (2) conducting oral history interviews; (3) extracting information from audio tapes; (4) organizing the information from all…

It is important that librarians research and plan to make the relationship between library collections and remote access comfortable and successful for users and the library. This article discusses the political, social, and economic advantages and disadvantages of remote access. (JMV)

This study, the first of its kind, examines the ability of the California Community College System to provide its students and faculty with Library and Learning Resources Programs and Services that are sufficient in quality, depth, and diversity to support each college's educational programs. The study covers a 7-year period from 1988-1989 through…

The "MLA Bibliography" Scope and Overlap Committee was formed in response to a request from the Modern Language Association for librarians' assistance in examining the coverage and overlap between the "MLA International Bibliography" and other reference tools. This report contains the following 20 papers, prepared by the…

Describes a formula that nonspecialists can use for evaluating rare books. Concurrent consideration of the scarcity, significance (importance), beauty, and demand for a given book will determine its value or rarity. (JKP)

Formulas from the "Standards for College Libraries" were used to compare the recommended collection size and number of professional librarians with the actual size of the collections and number of librarians for a random sample of Baccalaureate I and II colleges. Results revealed that significant numbers are not meeting the "Standards" in these…

Strong archival programs are rare, in part because the vital issues of program leadership and management have not been given sustained attention. As a consequence, many programs are under-funded, under-supported, and lack sufficient space, staff, and other resources necessary to carry out their important work. This collection of writings from…

This second in a two-part series on resources in major university music libraries contains: "The Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library at Harvard University" (John B. Howard) and "The Research Collections of the Sibley Music Library of the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester" (Mary Wallace Davidson). (Contains 73…

Virginia Commonwealth University reduced its ready reference collection by integrating the majority into the general reference collection. The project was a success and advantages for staff included more time and focus on users; expanded knowledge of collection; and reduced stress. (JMV)

This annotated selective bibliography of 21 journal articles is concerned with collaboration between librarians and faculty in collection development in academic libraries. These articles examine the collaborative process and provide effective strategies to assist in developing a strong library liaison relationship between librarians and faculty.…