Defines mechanical and expert selection of library materials and investigates the usefulness of mechanical selection in three test cases involving popular novels, German literature, and contemporary poetry. The cost of mechanical selection is examined and more quantification in selection practice is recommended. Data are presented in eight tables,…

Discussion of various alternatives for privatization of the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) being studied by the Department of Commerce highlights issues identified in the April 1986 notice in the Federal Register, representative users' comments, the range of NTIS services and products, and the implications of privatization for…

Explores both the allocation of resources to documents departments in academic libraries and the wide variation in local levels of support. Ways in which documents librarians may change levels of support through sources within and beyond their libraries are suggested. (CLB)

Summarizes findings of a survey of academic and school libraries which identified software being used for bibliographic instruction. Representative software is described, including how it is used, and suggestions are offered for why computer assisted instruction hasn't been more widely used, and for promoting and using it more effectively. (EM)

The first of a two-part series covers research published since 1970 that is directly relevant to interlibrary loan in the United States, with emphasis on studies of total volume, growth rate, nature of exchange relationships, characteristics of requests and types of material requested, users and uses, and financing. (47 references) (EJS)

Reviews studies done on academic library growth in attempt to clarify three reasons for failure of these analyses to result in usable projections of library size. Highlights include patterns in library growth (hypothetical exponential and arithmetic growth), Fremont Rider's studies of growth, and literature on growth after Rider. (28 references)…

Ten articles describe genealogical collections of the National Archives and Library of Congress, state archives programs, academic research libraries, Allen County Public Library (Indiana), Newberry Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints genealogical library, and New England Historic Genealogical Society, and approaches to Black…

Harvard University's president critically examines educational uses of new technology, urging cautious optimism and support for technological innovation combined with strategic planning. Topics discussed include computer assisted instruction, higher level cognitive skill development, educational value of technological innovations and their effects…

Details trends in information access, services, packaging, dissemination, and networking, service fees, archival storage devices, and electronic information packaging that could lead to complete mergers of academic libraries and computing centers with shared responsibilities. University of California at Berkeley's comprehensive strategy for…

Analyzes and applies Bettman's information processing theory of consumer choice to information processing, evaluation, and utilization by academic libraries in Zambia to support research and development activities. Certain Zambian cultural and sociopsychological aspects and attitudes that could affect the evaluation and utilization of information…

Reports results of survey of methods used by 77 North American academic and public libraries to finance implementation of new technologies, replace equipment and furniture, and renovate buildings. Financing methods used, frequency of use, choice, and range of methods are discussed. Eight references and list of survey participants are appended.…

Using database-driven web pages or web content management (WCM) systems to manage increasingly diverse web content and to streamline workflows is a commonly practiced solution recognized in libraries today. However, limited library web content management models and funding constraints prevent many libraries from purchasing commercially available…

This paper examines the dynamics of change in scholarly publishing and the impact of technological innovation upon the academic community for which the system of scholarly communication serves as an infrastructure. For the purposes of this discussion, what is of immediate interest is the way the productivity issue frames the possible dimensions of…

This paper offers practical help to the busy professional who lacks the time to search the Internet for authoritative and appropriate information. The document is intended for upper elementary to junior college school librarians, public librarians, and teachers who are interested in using the Internet to help students with reports and homework…

This study evaluates demand for specific competency categories in the 1996 United States academic library job market. Its purpose is to identify frequencies of requested qualifications and of job openings by United States region, to inform students and administrators of Masters of Library Science (MLS) Programs of current competency requirements…