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…

Examines three essential questions and suggests areas for research in each: (1) How are digital resource users best served: What resources will they want? How will they want to use them? What services will most enhance use? (2) What elements are required for a coherent preservation strategy covering resources both digital and traditional? (3) What…

Relates the role of Al Sandrini, superintendent of the Norris (CA) School District, in expanding the school libraries, including materials and staffing. Discusses what made him a strong library advocate, investing district money in libraries, site-based management, and how school librarians can be strong advocates. (LRW)

As the purchase of virtual resources accelerates, particularly through consortial agreements, the autonomy of the local library will fade and the roles of librarians will change drastically. This rapid transformation is illustrated by a discussion of OhioLINK and its positive and negative effects on one member library. (Contains 21 references.)…

The purpose of this collection of essays is to examine academic libraries in Greece at a time when the potential for changes and advance in librarianship is great. The 15 papers are as follows: "International Interlibrary Cooperation: Exchanging Goals, Values and Culture" (Don L. Tolliver); "Academic Libraries in Greece" (James…

Libraries nationwide are serving increasingly diverse communities as the changing face of America is reflected in the changing information needs of diverse patrons. A key issue in serving the multicultural community is adopting a revised version of collection development. Materials in the native languages of ethnic and language minorities,…

This paper describes the development from 1963 to 1986 of the Clark County (Nevada) Library District, which includes the rapidly growing urban area of Las Vegas. It notes that, besides responding successfully to a population growth of 330% over two decades, the system was also able to fulfill its original goal of developing local libraries that…

This book provides an understanding of the history and development of school library media programming. The readings present both personal and objective perspectives on this topic. Contributors address not only the mission of the school library media program, but also how its realization has shaped and been shaped by professional organizations;…

This document presents a collection of papers to be used as a practical guide and reference for delivering library services to small rural schools. The document targets rural school teachers, new school librarians, county superintendents, and rural and small school boards of trustees. Papers cover: (1) issues related to library administration,…

This document is a tool that is intended to assist school-based educator partners in understanding their own roles and the dimensions for growth that enable implementation of the program "Partners in Action: the Library Resource Center in the School Curriculum." The program involves the integration of information skills, literature,…

Discussion of Harvard University libraries' preservation efforts highlights the contributions of Carolyn Clark Morrow, the preservation librarian. Topics discussed include book decay; identifying important research collections to be preserved; chemical technology to deacidify paper; microfilming projects; components of a good local library…

Reviews this collection of essays by leading figures in library collection development, edited by Peggy Johnson and Sheila S. Intner. States that this book "deserves the attention of curriculum planners." (JMV)

As the academic library plays the roles of intermediary and adjudicator of collection purchases and cancellations, faculty involvement in library resource decisions is not only commonplace, but essential to making such decisions. Faculty involvement in cancellation projects is often enhanced by a thorough explanation of the depth of financial…

Facing a major budget crunch, the Hawaii State Public Library System awarded a five and one half-year, $11.2 million contract to a vendor (Baker & Taylor) for collection development. Hawaii librarians argue that outsourcing sacrifices local expertise and a central part of their professional identity. Discusses the controversy from opposing…

Discusses results of interviews at Canadian public libraries that were conducted to determine who users thought were responsible for collection development. Concludes that librarian's work is misunderstood because of its hidden nature and suggests implications for the image of librarians, recruitment, and staffing and funding of libraries.…