Reviews previously proposed schemes of classical rationality in book selection, describes new approaches to rational choice behavior, and presents a model of book selection based on bounded rationality in a garbage can decision process. The role of tacit knowledge and symbolic content in the selection process are also discussed. (102 references)…

A survey of heads of academic library reference services gathered information on reference collection development. Findings included: (1) selection and weeding frequently are not guided by written policies; (2) empirical studies of use are almost nonexistent; and (3) online availability of sources is an important factor in selection. (20…

Proposes a model based on mechanical selection for core collection development that is appropriate for large and medium-size academic research libraries. Statistics that show a large percent of desirable books are published by a small percent of publishers are presented, and titles published by university presses and by commercial presses are…

Citation analysis of the journal "Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society" was shown to be a useful tool for defining the core collection for a women's studies program. Analysis over a 10-year period produced a list of 20 of the most frequently cited journals for women's studies and related fields. (six references) (LAE)

A study gathered information about producers and distributors of unabridged books on cassette tape for the use of librarians engaged in collection development. Questionnaires were distributed to 48 public libraries and 45 producers/distributors. This report includes an introduction covering the history of this medium and a rationale for collecting…

Presents a study of 36 selection policy statements from community college libraries in the United States including a content analysis of the policies. Recommends 20 components for inclusion in a community college library materials selection policy. (CBC)

Describes a study that investigated holdings of small publishers' books in OCLC libraries and selection procedures for these titles, including the influence of reviews, publishers, and vendors. Questionnaire responses from librarians and vendors are analyzed, and results indicating a significant relationship between holdings and reviews are…

Serials collections are a costly but essential part of a library's periodicals holdings. Jacksonville State University Library's (JSUL) budgetary problems have forced librarians to examine their serials closely in terms of cost factors, indexing, expected usage, and curriculum and research support. The purpose of this project is to assess JSUL's…

Library media specialists, 55 from each of 5 states which have organized child-choice state award programs--Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Texas--were surveyed to ascertain their position on the question of whether library media specialists should purchase Caldecott/Newbery or state award books. The survey consisted of two…

Noting that librarians have long debated whether specific library functions may, or should, be scientifically examined, or whether they constitute an art not susceptible to scientific study, this paper reviews and critiques attempts to develop models of library material selection using the theories and methods of scientific investigation. First,…

A survey of 29 medium-sized academic libraries gathered data on collection development methods in foreign literatures including the language and academic background of the bibliographer; bases of selection decisions; acquisition rates for French, German, and Spanish literature as compared to English/American literature; acquisition practices; and…

Designed to determine the usefulness of reviews of U.S. history books in scholarly journals in collection development, this study found that no one journal provided adequate coverage and that the reviews in all of the journals lacked currency. It is suggested that data collected on publisher representation might prove useful in establishing…

A comparison of book reviews for humanities and social sciences books named to CHOICE's 1987 "Outstanding Academic Books" with a selection of books not named to the list showed no substantial difference in the number or quality of reviews received. Study suggests that libraries should be cautious in their reliance on published lists for…

Describes a grant-funded research project to relocate selected print journal runs, for which an electronic version is available, to remote storage from the shelves of campus libraries at the University of California. Includes project objectives, criteria for journal selection, and phases of the grant. (LRW)

Examines whether surveying students in the classroom using course-specific questionnaires--and interviewing their instructors--is a viable tool for academic library collection building. Findings revealed this approach to be a valuable qualitative tool for assessing the college library's local book collection. (AEF)