This annual report includes the Illinois State Library Mission and guiding principles for Illinois libraries; reading and literacy initiatives; library system developments; expanded access to timely information, including networks; governmental library services; special publications; and the budget. (LRW)

Examines the history of abridged audio publishing 10 years after the formation of the Audio Publishers Association. Topics include abridged versus unabridged versions for bookstores and libraries; vendors and publishers; future possibilities for CDs and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc); and audio leasing for libraries. (LRW)

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)

Explores three dimensions of student services'"place" in rising administrative costs: (1) student services' share of administrative expenditure increases relative to other branches of administration; (2) the extent to which student services are being cut or privatized; and (3) the extent to which student services are reconceptualizing…

Reports on work from two studies in progress related to assessing digital library reference services and developing standards that support such services. Suggests that two types of standards-utilization and technical-should be considered together in the costing, statistics, and measures for digital reference services. (Author/AEF)

Uses statewide school district refinancing in Kansas during the early 1990s to estimate the relationship between per-pupil expenditure and the probability that a student will pursue a postsecondary education. Finds that a 20 percent increase in spending raises probability of going on to postsecondary schooling approximately 5 percent. (PKP)

Budget problems are leading states to limit grants for college students in 1990-91, although overall aid spending is higher than ever. Grant programs not based on need are increasing faster than spending on need-based aid, mostly in awards for academic achievement and programs for equalizing tuition between public and private institutions. (MSE)

Reports nationwide increases in child care fees. Notes large regional disparities and variations. (BB)

Superintendents of urban school districts are confronted by large classes; shortages of qualified staff, materials, and supplies; and inequitable funding. Despite their superintendent's herculean efforts to build strong community support, the Baltimore schools have the lowest per pupil expenditure among Maryland's largest school systems. (MLH)

This article proposes a new operational definition of excess cost in determining state and federal funding for special education. The new approach is based on programs and services rather than accounting calculations of the difference between special education cost per student and regular education cost per student. (Author/DB)

Conducted exploratory multiple regression analysis, revealing that predictors of state teenage birthrates were state poverty rates, low school completion rates, low state per capita expenditures for public welfare, and high unemployment rates. States that spent less for education and public welfare had higher teenage birthrates. (Author/NB)

The "municipal overburden" argument alleges that cities lack adequate funding for their schools because they are unable to levy high enough tax rates. Examines support for the hypothesis held by jurists and legal commentators and then inquires why economists commonly find that position unacceptable. (MLF)

Analyzes the distribution of 1985 federal expenditures among U.S. counties by expenditure function and object and by county type (metro/nonmetro and nonmetro economic base). Concludes that federal spending in nonmetro areas focuses on income redistribution and does not promote economic development. (SV)

The education reform process in California is documented through the impact of the "Serrano" decision and Proposition 13. The reform has involved a steady decline in ranking of per pupil state expenditures with an increasing proportion of cost being transferred from the state to local districts. (JD)

The first article describes effects of the devaluation of the dollar on American libraries that purchase scientific, technical and medical serials published in Europe, and the responses of libraries and library associations. The second presents reasons for increased serial prices from the perspective of the publishing industry. (15…