Identifies library perception of forces out of control in scholarly communication system and proceeds to description of attempts libraries are making to regain sense of control. Points of similarity or contrast between scholarly publishers and research libraries are addressed, with emphasis on concept of selectivity. Seven sources are given. (EJS)

This kit, an updated version of a 1974 publication, resulted from a survey of Friends of the Library Organizations commissioned by Tulane University in 1974. All members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) were surveyed with a mailed questionnaire. The survey analysis is based on the 63 ARL members who responded, 33 of whom had Friends…

This Association of Research Libraries (ARL) kit contains source documents providing information on the general background, statistics/criteria, formulas, and decision-making processes used in the allocation of materials funds in academic libraries. The kit comprises: (1) a working paper on "Guidelines for the Allocation of Library Materials…

This collection of six papers and comments from a workshop focuses on three aspects of collection development--budget implications, communication with faculty, and written policies. Points of view are expressed by speakers from small- and medium-sized academic, private, and public libraries in Michigan. The first paper discusses the implication of…

Research was undertaken to determine if the growth of academic library holdings was exponential, as reported by previous studies. Statistical analysis showed the growth rate of the Association of Research Libraries member libraries to be arithmetical, rather than exponential, taking into account library size and inflation. (CDD)

Anticipation of current and future needs of scholars should be a major concern of builders of research collections. This may result in a certain percentage of unused books; however, this is a justified and necessary expense if scholarship and research are to continue. (RAA)

This collection of acquisition materials from member libraries of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) contains: (1) acquisition policies from Brigham Young University, Iowa State University, and the University of Cincinnati; (2) book selection policies from the University of Nebraska Undergraduate Library and Georgetown University; (3) an…

Reports are presented from two meetings on research libraries that brought together individuals concerned with the process of scholarly communication. Libraries were the central topic of both meetings, but they were considered as part of a system that also includes book and journal publishing, the obligations and concerns of university…

Written from perspective of the president of a graduate research-oriented university, the author explores nature of the academic library, its size and structure, retrenchment as it affects acquisitions and services, and issue of who makes decisions concerning the library. Space and budgetary problems at the University of Oregon are discussed.…

Tabular data are presented on 107 university and 12 non-university research libraries' holdings and operating expenditures, providing information by library rank on volumes in library; volumes added; current serials; total staff; and total expenditures. A graph depicts percentages for operating expenditures. (DB)

Southeast Asian Studies programs arose in American higher education after World War II, creating special problems for university and research libraries. The major problems were and still are acquisition and cataloging. The Donn V. Hart Southeast Asian Collection, founded in 1963, is unique in Illinois and contains 21,000 Indonesian; 15,000 Thai;…

This group of documents presents material on collection development and a list of collection intensity indicators from the Research Libraries Group (RLG), as well as examples of collection assessment techniques from seven members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). ARL member documents cover the assessment of art periodical,…

Examines the impact of Title II-C of the Higher Education Act (Strengthening Research Library Resources Program) and the Education Amendments of 1980 on library collections of research institutions. A legislative history and data noting recipients of awards from fiscal year 1978-79 through 1981-82 are presented. Sixteen references are cited. (EJS)

Delineates the types of decisions involved in the preservation of library collections and suggests decision-making structures and criteria for each type of decision. The information gaps which limit the ability to make intelligent preservation decisions are also discussed. (Author/JL)

Collection use study is a must if research collections are to meet scholarly needs while competing for scarce financial resources. Such studies will be in harmony with the realities under which academic libraries must operate in the future. (RAA)