Authority control of a cataloging database is essential to support an effective machine readable catalog. Automated authority control can provide assistance with the difficult, intellectually demanding part of cataloging: integrating new items into a collection. (Author)

A near-comprehensive review of recent literature on library-theft prevention and an up-to-date survey of major commercial electronic alarm systems is provided. (Author)

Primary problems of a new audiovisual aids program in a library fall into two categories: collection building and collection usage. (SJ)

Discusses problems faced by innercity libraries and describes programs at a Cleveland Public Library branch that help make the library an integral part of the community. Topics addressed include a new immigrant population; developing a Spanish language collection; attracting children and adolescents; discipline and safety; and working with the…

Describes the findings of a survey of fifteen Illinois libraries that participated in reclassification projects with the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). The reasons behind their conversion to Library of Congress Classification and problems associated with the quality and speed of creating new records are discussed. (JD)

This second part of an article on sexual harassment and libraries features stories of library workers who have suffered sexual harassment. Highlights include problems from men and women; homosexuality issues; harassment from supervisors, employees being supervised, co-workers, and patrons; and the involvement of Equal Employment Opportunity…

Discusses features to consider when selecting dictionaries. Topics addressed include the publishing industry; the dictionary market; profits from dictionaries; pricing; competitive marketing tactics, including similar titles, claims to numbers of entries and numbers of definitions, and similar physical appearance; a trademark infringement case;…

Introduces a series of articles reporting progress made in library services to the Spanish speaking in the past eight years, despite the undeniable discrimination that exists against the Hispanic-heritage librarian and the delivery of library and information services to this ethnic group. Each article is followed by an interview with a Hispanic…

Argues that technological developments in cable television, computers, and telecommunications could decentralize power and put the resources of the new technology more broadly at the command of individuals and small groups, but that this potential requires action to be realized. (Author)

Discusses the relationship between the library and publishing communities and issues that impact the relationship. Topics covered include an overview of cooperative efforts and tensions created by issues such as photocopying and copyright, repackaging of government information by commercial publishers, the power of publishing conglomerates, and…

Compares and contrasts policies and procedures pertaining to sexual harassment from selected national organizations with those of the American Library Association (ALA). Policies from the American Bar Association, American Council on Education, American Association of University Professors, American Psychological Association, and National…

Description of the history of a statewide interlibrary loan and electronic mail telecommunications network highlights difficulties and reinforces the idea that off-the-shelf systems are preferable to in-house system development. Recommendations include: solicit expert technical advice (including review by an independent programmer); choose…

Explores three forms of alternative work schedules that research has shown improve job performance and decrease absenteeism: flextime (starting and stopping times vary within limits); permanent part-time employment (regular employment carried out during shorter working hours); and job sharing (two or more part-time employees share one full-time…

Describes the conversion of card catalog records at William Jasper Kerr Library, Oregon State University, to an online system. Discussion covers the use of OCLC and student assistants, procedures and specifications, and problems associated with massive retrospective conversion needs and uncertain budget allocations. Eight sources are recommended.…

Discusses the development of a research library at Rice University, whose first and only library building is less than 40 years old, highlighting the founding of the University in 1912, the Fondren Library building, library collections and cooperation, fee-based services, automation and the future, and problems and prospects. (EJS)