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…

Investigates collection of faculty papers by university archives, examining criteria for determining which faculty member's papers to solicit and discussing problems associated with appraisal and acquisition of such papers. Data gathered from questionnaire sent to archives in United States and Canada are discussed and conclusions drawn. Nine…

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…

This investigation of how ten small, private college libraries go about collecting books focuses on the degree of responsibility and control those libraries exercise over what is included in their collections. The findings and conclusions of the study are based upon interviews with library administrators and acquisitions librarians at Middlebury…

A survey of 164 academic and special libraries reveals that accessibility of equivalent databases online has had a relatively small effect thus far on decisions to discontinue subscriptions to printed abstracting and indexing services. Tables display printed form and online databases used by the libraries, and seven references are listed. (RBF)

Reports on a 1995 survey of Wisconsin academic libraries regarding collection development practices for languages and literature. Results suggest that faculty control selection; approval plans have not taken over from personal selection; and local demand is emphasized over presumed quality as suggested by review magazines. (LRW)

Based on responses to a survey from 79 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries, this Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit explores how these libraries are currently addressing management issues associated with materials budgets. The survey addressed the following broad areas: how libraries define their materials…

Responses from 54 libraries to a 1977 survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member institutions and interviews by Office of Management Studies staff members who visited another 15 indicated that 20 of the 69 libraries had and made use of a written collection development policy. Eight others reported that such a policy was being…

Undertaken to provide data on the current status of collection development in selected academic libraries, this study also analyzed the structure of the collection development function at Chicago Academic Library Council (CALC) institutions and outlined a formal collection development policy for Chicago State University's Douglas Library.…

Presents an analysis of checklist-based research designed to investigate whether particular books, periodicals, and films considered to be controversial by the investigators are owned in certain groups of libraries. Objectives of checklist studies, definitions of self-censorship, compilation of checklists, and interpretation of data are…

Describes results of a survey of members of the Association of Research Libraries that was conducted to determine what procedures are followed to obtain current reference books in foreign languages and to assess the libraries' satisfaction with those procedures. Standing order plans are discussed, and proposals to improve reviewing sources are…

Fifty small academic libraries not housing federal depositories were surveyed to determine how well they can meet user needs for federal documents. Results indicate that most cannot provide access to documents equal to that offered by even small depositories. The questionnaire, a summary of responses, and five references are provided. (Author/RBF)

Describes two surveys of libraries by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) that were conducted to compare approval plans and to determine alternative acquisitions methods for materials in philosophy and political science. Time spent by selectors is examined, collection evaluation activities are described, and implications for resource…

This SPEC kit is based on a June 1987 survey of approval plan use by 94 members of the Association of Research Libraries. It reports on the current practices of these libraries, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using approval plans, and the effect of increased library materials costs and library automation on such plans. It is noted…

A survey of heads of collection development in 104 academic libraries was conducted to determine usefulness of information sources on curriculum change for selectors and extent of library involvement in planning such changes. Procedures developed at University of New Mexico and other universities are highlighted. Questionnaire is appended. (24…