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…

This examination of the past and present states of collection development in the research library covers background information, theories, and associated problems. A historical review of methods that have been and are currently being used for collection development includes discussions of the changes imposed by World War II on the practice of…

Librarians at Harvard University have written the most comprehensive guide to selecting research collections for digitization. This article applies the Harvard Model to a digitization project at Indiana University in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the model for use at another institution and to adapt the model to local needs. (Contains 7…

Reports on acquisitions of selected Western European political science materials deemed important for inclusion in at least one North American research library. The percentages of French, Italian, Swedish, Catalan, Icelandic, and Belgian materials not found in RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network) and OCLC are provided. Factors supporting…

Describes a process for creating a collection development policy for managing an environmental studies collection in a multilibrary system. The policy rationale, the process of developing subject terms, and the creation of a format for the information are covered. Ideas for handling a physically and intellectually dispersed collection are…

Reports on the book-buying trends and predilections of libraries at two-year colleges, four-year colleges, universities, and large research institutions. Four tables and figures show findings for purchasing power of academic libraries; areas academic librarians believe need more titles; most-bought book categories; and sources used to make…

In the past quarter of a century, subtle and important changes in both the subject matter and format of collections organized for special collections departments have taken place, and many special collections now contain significant printed "papers" and manuscript collections of research quality in addition to the printed book. Such…

This resource guide focuses on handling library materials that are too deteriorated to benefit from other preservation treatments. Hopeless case items, that would require an unreasonable amount of conservation work to fix, can be resolved through a process of reselecting items by replacing them or reformatting them. The reselection integrates…

The canons of literature, and their relationship to research, scholarship, and collection development are discussed, arguing that a dilemma exists for the collection development officer between neglecting possible important future materials or collecting such items to the detriment of current research needs. (18 references/notes) (EA)

The possibility of producing journal articles in electronic form is creating a revolution in scholarly communication. A number of research libraries are investigating or offering local and remote access to electronic journals. Because Internet access to a journal may not be available at the time of need, a prime collection development issue is the…

Identifies and discusses the eight principal functions necessary for effective collection management in academic research libraries. Six organizational models for collection management are described, and then evaluated according to how well each may facilitate those eight functions of effective management. (Author/CLB)

Scholarly journal publishing is undergoing a transformation from paper to electronic distribution. Members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) have become pioneers in providing access to electronic journals. Because the policies and procedures that these libraries have developed can be guides for other libraries, a survey was sent to…

Discusses the impact that network technology, electronic publishing, and Internet communication are having on collection development policies in research libraries. Highlights include changes in the research library environment, including financial difficulties; scholarly communication; workstations for material selection; and materials in…