The future of college and research libraries is discussed in the context of the changing role of academic librarians, the assistance technology may give to libraries, the political activity required to achieve government aid for libraries, and the future of higher education. (Author/AWP)

Reports on an informal survey of plans, practices, and strategies in relation to optical reference tools at several research libraries. The discussion focuses on start-up and continued funding, hidden costs, cost savings options, and future costs. (5 references) (MES)

The questions of when and how best to computerize the catalog of a large research library, and how to improve an existing conventional catalog, motivated a study of the utilization of the main catalog of the Yale University Library. The study was designed to provide a representative sample of catalog use. (7 references) (Author/NH)

This paper discusses the present scenario of automation activities of university libraries in Kerala. The survey findings mainly cover various aspects of library automation such as information technology infrastructure, in-house activities, information services and their usage, manpower development, and budget. The paper briefly describes the role…

This brief article reports on the 12th national Association of College and Research Libraries' (ACRL) conference held April 7-10, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. William Mitchell, head of the media arts and sciences program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an architecture professor provided the conference attendees with the opening…

In a new era of austerity in academic libraries, more realistic concepts of collection building will have to be adopted and new patterns of service will have to be devised. (Author/PF)

Academic and research libraries have tended to dominate change and codification in this area of library work, as much in 1876 as in 1976. (Author)

The trend toward extensive computerization of the processes of research libraries is indicated as excessive, uncritical and inefficient. (JN)

A brief review of the essential background and report on the progress, evaluation and future outlook of this unique program. (Author/NH)

The author investigates issues faced by academic research libraries in providing virtual reference services to unaffiliated users. These libraries generally welcome visitors who use on-site collections and reference services, but are these altruistic policies feasible in a virtual environment? This paper reviews the use of virtual reference…

Minutes from the 1984 Membership Meeting of the Association of Research Libraries include the full-text of four presented papers: "The Next Generation of Telecommunications Systems" (William F. Utlaut); "Structure of the Present Telecommunications Network" (Donald J. Muccino); "Alternatives to the Bell System" (C.…

The Editing, Photoduplicating, and Distributing of the Research Library Catalogue of Boston Public Library Project, which is described in this report, was supported by grants awarded under the Strengthening Research Library Resources Program, Title II-C of the Higher Education Act of 1965 administered by the Office of Libraries and Learning…

The two major topics of the program portion of the meeting are automation and management. Allen B. Veaner's "Major Decision Points in Library Automation" is followed by notes from a brief discussion. Stanley E. Seashore presented main themes from "Staff Participation in Management," which is also followed by discussion remarks…

As research libraries have grown, a trend has developed to recruit specialists to support the administrative and technical functions of the library. Business, planning, automation, personnel, and facilities specialists are among those currently employed. Libraries which utilize such specialists experience significant gains in flexibility to…

The focus of the January 1975 meeting of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) was the future of bibliographic records of library holdings. Speakers from the Library of Congress (LC) reported on historical problems associated with card catalogs and on plans for conversion to other forms. Speakers from large research libraries indicated a…