Apportioning materials budgets is a collection development problem. Failure to grasp that fact has, for over 70 years, misdirected efforts to find a workable solution. (Author)

How the Sellers Memorial Library added over 3,000 new items to its file at a cost of under one hundred dollars is told. (NH)

Since the ACRL "Standards for College Libraries are at best a questionable guide in budget preparation, the writers attempted to arrive at a more objective formula for a basic budget for current acquisitions. A minimum figure for books is proposed, based on an examination of reviews in seventy-one professional journals. (Editor/JB)

Presents the 1997 U.S. Periodical Price Index sponsored by the Library Materials Price Index Committee of the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services, a division of the American Library Association. Finds that the average price increased 9.9%, .9% below 1996's rate. Includes seven tables, a chart, and a summary sheet. (PEN)

Describes the services offered to librarians by book vendors and addresses the effects of increasing costs and decreasing funds on library acquisitions and publishers as well as on vendors. The costs of ordering and processing library materials are discussed, and labor-saving devices in acquisitions are suggested. (LRW)

The Federal Library Committee through the Task Force on Procurement Procedures in Federal Libraries is examining all problems and is recommending policies, procedures, and practices which will maximize the efficient procurement of library materials. It is suggested that the vehicle for this investigation be the appropriate Commission on Government…

Presents results of price survey of periodicals published in the United States and serial services. Tables are organized by subject categories to show number of titles included in the survey, rank order by average subscription price, and price increases. (LRW)

Describes how Randolph-Macon College (VA) started an in-house book mending program. Steps are outlined for establishing a similar program, including identifying and tracking materials; designating a location; and choosing supplies. Information is provided for supplier contacts and instructional resources; and a brief bibliography is appended. (SLW)

Developed to assist Alabama libraries in their choice of delivery systems to bring library services to isolated populations and to provide guidance for better utilization of library resources, this statewide study examines books by mail and bookmobile systems. Although bookmobile services are better received by users, they are more costly than…

This report studied the alternative method of using book duplicates as replacement copies for worn or missing stack items. The simple operational procedure which is proposed and evaluated could be adapted to virtually any library setting. When tested in Brigham Young University's Lee Library, it was found that such a procedure cost an estimated…

Discussion of the need for research on the costs of library materials notes cost studies and price indexes now available, methodology used in preparing cost studies, and opportunities for research on trends of material costs. Twenty-two references are included. (EJS)

Reports circulation and expenditure statistics for public libraries for 1980-90, based on a representative sample of 53 U.S. public libraries serving a population of over 25,000. Data include figures for adult circulation, juvenile circulation, salary expenditures, material expenditures, and circulation and expenditures per capita. (LRW)

Examines public library budgets by the population size served. Discusses total budgets, salary budgets, and materials budgets; funding and technology, including e-rate for Internet access and Internet filtering; and fundraising. (LRW)

A survey of state purchasing agencies, libraries, and book wholesalers has revealed that any small savings in purchasing books by state-wide contract on the basis of high-discount is more than offset by the extra time and money spent in coping with inadequate service and large back-order files. (LS)