The recently terminated Farmington Plan was a cooperative acquisitions program of American research libraries. Its impact must be evaluated and steps should be taken to insure the availability of foreign materials for American researchers. (5 references) (DH)

This discussion of America's outstanding rare book libraries notes the inception of collections, library facilities, technical difficulties, reference services, publicity efforts, and research. The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, Clark Library of the University of California, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.…

A model based on storage and retrieval costs that determines efficient allocation of materials to different storage regimes in academic libraries is developed. An economically rational basis for determining role of several alternative storage methods which distinguish among materials by expected level of use is offered. Nineteen references are…

This discussion of the effects of computer technology on the services of research libraries includes descriptions of four information technology services that could replace more expensive traditional services. The efforts of the Research Libraries Group to reshape information services for their scholars is also described. (CHC)

Ties between the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace and the Reagan administration are discussed. Although established as a research library, the institution became increasingly political after World War II, and is known for its political publications. It is also one of the world's great depositories of historical materials and…

Reviews the controversy surrounding the Pittsburgh study of library circulation and collection usage and proposes the use of citation analysis techniques as an acceptable method for measuring research use of a research library which will complement circulation studies. Five references are listed. (RAA)

A national cooperative strategy by research libraries is needed in collection development capabilities, technological developments, preservation requirements and the process of scholarly communication. The publications explosion, rapid inflation, and technological advancement have invalidated traditional operating assumptions of research…

The university librarian at Columbia University discusses the need for a national cooperative strategy for research libraries in the network environment. The advent of widespread computer technology and the impact on research libraries is described. (MP)

Discusses the role of advanced technology in developing new library systems and facilities. Considers the impact of computers on acquisition, reproduction, and availability of material in both general-use libraries and special research facilities, particularly in terms of cost. (JMF)

Examines the information practices and strategies used by interdisciplinary scientists in research libraries. Highlights include gathering and disseminating knowledge outside their core knowledge domains through personal networks, conferences, and the literature; intermediaries who help transfer knowledge and information from unfamiliar subject…

Describes a study by the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) that identified strengths and weaknesses of current access methods to peer-reviewed electronic journals in the fields of science and technology, focusing on perceptions of public service librarians. Topics include cataloging, links on Web sites, aggregator databases, and…

Presents arguments in support of research library microfilm collections of archival sources for use by scholars. Historical background on microfilming and new technological developments enhancing use of microforms are discussed, as well as preservation and other benefits of microfilming. (10 references) (MES)

Reports results of a content analysis that was conducted to determine the coverage of issues relating to academic libraries in the "Chronicle of Higher Education." Topics discussed include automation; presidential libraries; special collections; copyright; federal legislation; and a bias toward the Washington, D.C., area and toward large…

Reviews concerns of scholars and librarians in the area of electronic information. The function and importance of integrated scholarly information systems are discussed with examples of ways scholars are likely to acquire and integrate electronic information in the future. The impact of electronic research systems on the nature of academic…

Describes the results of a survey that examined the demographics of U.S. and Canadian academic and research librarians. The findings discussed include age, sex, educational background, foreign language proficiency, and professional skills. The need to recruit a wider range of talents and expertise to the profession is also discussed. (CLB)