Since the publication of the third edition of this book in 1961, numerous changes have occurred in the policies, procedures, functions and technology of academic librarianship. The present volume incorporates the literature of the past 13 years, and the author concludes that while the changes implied through the literature are significant and dramatic, the actual impact on the operations of academic libraries has been less dramatic. The book is intended as a generalized text for those interested in academic librarianship. Included are descriptive chapters on the functional activities of acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and references. Various organizational and operational subjects are also discussed including personnel, business and financial affairs, facilities, and equipment. Finally, a section on the evaluation of academic libraries is provided. (DGC)