First published in 1944, this article predicts unprecedented growth for American university libraries, and examines the underlying causes of this growth. The use of microforms and cooperative cataloging to control library costs is recommended. A brief introduction to the article is included. (CLB)

Despite a trend in successful endowment investment, college governing boards must carefully monitor the institution's endowment spending rate and not treat the endowment as a rainy-day fund. Shrinking endowments leave institutions financially vulnerable; administrators must be required to demonstrate how short-term excess draws on endowment will…

Provides answers to some commonly asked questions about furniture and interior space utilization in libraries. Examines the impact of increased computer usage on electrical, space, and reference desk requirements. Highlights specialized needs with regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act and air quality standards. Discusses shelving and chair…

This periodical price survey examines pricing trends, currency fluctuation and other predictors of 1996 serials costs. Tables are derived from analysis of three Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) databases and reflect subscription rates of large libraries. Sidebars include cost history information specific to mid-size to smaller academic…

Narrative text and 6 tables provide information about a survey of 105 libraries on materials spending: number of questionnaires sent and returned; number and percentage of libraries with a materials spending policy; how percentages were determined; average (mean) percentage spent for materials; change in percent spent for materials in recent…

A sound investment policy for colleges and universities should address these factors: spending rate, return requirements, time horizon for evaluating fund performance, risk tolerance, asset allocation, delegation of responsibility, investment monitoring, and procedure for amending an investment plan. (MSE)

Trustees can set endowment spending policies to meet current spending needs and protect the future by understanding, forecasting, and managing potential risks and returns. Spending policy should be based on a combination of economic conditions and capital market characteristics related to the institution's investment portfolio. (Author/MSE)

Presents recipients of the 1995 American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Buildings Awards Program. Most descriptions contain: names of the library, library director, and architects; library location; historical background; and building description including photographs, site plans, square footage, collection and…

Discusses a study that explored the connection between social investments in higher education and economic production. Reports that government spending on higher education stimulates the private economy better than other government spending. Concludes that higher education expenditures on organized research produce long lasting, favorable effects…

Describes the networking of CD-ROM drives in libraries to accommodate users' simultaneous access to the same CD-ROM. Highlights include costs; vendors who supply local area network hardware and software; licensing practices; and a sidebar that describes the use of CD-ROM networks at Vanderbilt University and the University of Kansas. (LRW)

Definitions of equal educational opportunity have evolved from access to schooling, to equal spending per pupil, to variable spending per pupil depending on individual need. Although the quest for funding equity has dominated recent legal and political actions, funding adequacy deserves great attention. A single-minded pursuit of equity may lead…

During the 1980s, Latin America saw increased national debt levels and disproportionate reductions in public educational expenditures. Significant changes in the distribution of education budgets were neither equitable nor efficient. Needed reforms are unlikely, given the nature of political decision making. Contains 55 references and data on 20…

Discusses the nature and extent of discriminatory pricing by journal publishers, and reports on a survey of academic libraries that was conducted to assess the effectiveness of strategies used by libraries to mitigate the effects of high journal prices and price discrimination, i.e., higher prices for both institutions and foreign subscribers.…

The history of and issues in Oregon's retrenchment in higher education (resulting from voter-imposed taxing restrictions) are chronicled. Changes made at Portland State University are used to illustrate the program review and termination process occurring statewide. The higher education community's response, faculty and staff morale, and…

Discussion of the need for strategic planning in public libraries highlights a case study of a small resort town library, the Crawford Memorial Library, in Monticello, New York. Deciding on specific library roles and planning their implementation are described, and the importance of environment and competition in strategic planning is explained.…