Presents a simple cost model to analyze trade-offs involved in considering storage and weeding as alternatives to new construction for academic libraries. References are provided, and the Palmour cost model is presented as an appendix. (RAA)

Advocates pursuit of service to the public rather than autonomy of practice as the proper professional goal of librarians. This article explores the tensions between professional attributes and the bureaucratic demands of the organizational environment. (Author/RAA)

Unless library managers assume a leadership role in the information society and truly manage libraries, others will assume the responsibility. Thus far, they have not provided such leadership and have failed to effectively use innovative managerial techniques to administer the library. (RAA)

Data from a survey of the teaching faculty at three academic institutions show that, of four variables that affect their perceptions and use of their libraries (institutional affiliation, subject area, academic rank, and length of time at institution), length of time proved most often statistically significant. (Author)

Studies the accessibility of periodicals at a large academic library and analyzes failure to locate items in terms of library and user error. The need for improved access to periodicals is confirmed. (RAA)

Applies the concept of socialization to the question of why academic librarians are ill-prepared to accept the research and publication requirements of faculty rank and status, discusses mechanisms of the socialization process in librarian and faculty training, and suggests alterations in the mechanisms applied to librarians. (Author/FM)

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…