Describes the elements of a selection decision model, and develops an outline for classification of library materials by source of origin. Descriptions of short- and long-term goals for collection development are included, as well as an outline of macro- and microselection decision making. (Author/MBR)

To determine the extent and success of the outsourcing of cataloging in academic libraries, a survey of 117 libraries investigated factors influencing the decision to outsource, reasons for outsourcing, what was outsourced, and how vendors were chosen. Results showed 28% of the libraries outsourced, of those, 47% would continue and 53% would…

Discusses computer user authentication and authorization issues when libraries need to let valid users access databases and information services without making the process too difficult for either party. Common solutions are explained, including filtering, passwords, and kerberos (cryptographic authentication scheme for secure use over public…

Describes the Department of Agriculture Economics and Statistics System at Cornell University (New York), which has made government agricultural statistics available free of charge via the Internet. Topics include value-added service provided by the library and incorporating electronic information into the depository library collection, including…

An analysis of price and scientific value of chemistry journals concluded that scientific value does not play a role in the pricing of scientific journals and that consequently little relationship exists between scientific value and the prices charged libraries for journals. Describes a software package, Serials Evaluator, being developed at…

Provides three responses regarding an article, "Choosing Our Futures": (1) disagrees with how much and how fast change in academic libraries should be made, arguing that reorientation not revolution is needed; (2) sees it as a foundation for dialog and action; and (3) notes the article's lack of supporting research, questions its vague…

Sources of comparative salary data for librarians are evaluated in relation to selected criteria that are particularly useful to small college and university librarians. External criteria include type of institution, enrollment size, budget, geographic region, job title, and gender/minority status. Internal considerations include contracts, degree…

Discussion of library profession stereotypes focuses on academic male librarians. Topics include the position of the early academic librarians and the environment in which they worked; the beginnings of reference service; women in academic libraries; men in a feminized profession; and current images of male librarians in motion pictures and…

Discussion of personalized information environments (PIEs) focuses on library personalized interfaces. Describes academic library PIEs and commercial sites, such as Amazon.com that use personalization; explores the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg's personalized interface; and discusses opportunities and challenges PIEs offer public…

Describes a survey of science faculty and researchers at the University of Michigan that investigated their information needs as well as resource use and preferences in diverse research contexts. Discusses speed, convenience, familiarity, currency, authoritativeness, reliable availability, and barriers in information-seeking. (Author/LRW)

Describes the use of a professional marketing and opinion research firm at Brown University Library to conduct focus group meetings with users and to provide data analysis. Highlights include a review of library literature on focus group use; focus group methodology; benefits of employing professionals; logistics of focus group preparation; and…

Discusses the ten precepts underling the "Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services" as a sort of Bill of Rights relating to library services provided to distance learning students. (EV)

Describes a bibliographic instruction course at Ohio University library that engaged students in creating the syllabus. Discusses the instructor's role, barriers to implementation, and student reactions that indicated students were more engaged in classroom activities and discussions and that their final projects had an increased level of interest…

Discusses the concepts of accountability and quality assessment in higher education. Topics include performance indicators in academic libraries, including international standards; factors affecting the reliability and validity of data, including consistency, ease versus utility, and values; and recommendations for research libraries. (LRW)

Considers differences between the scientific community and literary intellectuals, focusing on librarianship and information technology in higher education in particular. Discusses library services that rely on information technology; differences in status and in education and training; standards; and collaboration, including attempts to integrate…