The materials listed in this reference circular are recommended to libraries and organizations as basic resources for providing a current information service on visual impairments and physical disabilities. The selections, which are based on the holdings of the Reference Section of the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Physically…

This annotated bibliography of library media collection selection sources includes: (1) an annotated bibliography of selection sources; (2) a list of selection tools (in both book and periodical form) for elementary, middle, and secondary schools; (3) a list of bibliographies in specialized subject areas (art; career planning; computers; early…

Libraries serve our nation and its citizens in two primary ways: by preserving our common culture, and by nurturing and sustaining democracy itself. A particular democratic function of libraries is fostering reading. As noted in two reports recently issued by the U.S. Department of Education, "What Works" and "First Lessons," it is imperative to…

This discussion of the establishment of the archives at Fitchburg State College, an institution with an enrollment of 3,700, provides details on the background of the project, approval process, literature search, planning, collection development, continuing publicity efforts, and facilities. Useful items found through the literature search are…

Presentations on NCIP (North American Collections Inventory Project) program developments and future program directions are combined with business meeting minutes in this report from the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The text of remarks presented as part of a panel discussion on the program theme includes: (1) "Development and Use…

The 37 funded programs described in this brochure involve bibliographic control, collection development, and preservation of library materials at research libraries, and are designed to make rare materials accessible through bibliographic control and networking. The description of each funded project includes the responsible agent conducting the…

This examination of the issue of intellectual freedom in academic libraries provides examples of recent controversies, and argues that the library's response to such controversies provides an opportunity to emphasize its educational role. It is noted that academic libraries are full of controversial materials, and that this is necessary if the…

Provides guidelines for locating alcohol research information and building library collections on alcohol. Resource organizations, including government agencies, research institutions, and publishers, are identified and several access tools are described. The future directions of alcohol research and its dissemination are discussed. (Author/EM)

This reexamination of earlier forecasts and statistics related to research library growth--Purdue studies first published in 1965, data and forecasts from Fremont Rider's 1944 book--shows mixed results for evidence of continuing rapid growth of collections and acquisition expenditures and marked decline in acquisition rates. (16 references) (EJS)

This fourth annual annotated list was compiled by the Notable Documents Committee of the American Library Association's Government Documents Round Table. It includes federal, international, and state documents published two years prior to the date of the list that are considered notable based on 10 criteria. A source list is included. (EM)

The role of the research library and issues in access to increasing quantities of information are discussed, including the problems of cataloging and classifying information and the barriers to access often created by librarians. (MSE)

Reviews the literature that deals with the political ramifications of weeding material from academic library collections and the need to involve users and other libraries within the institution in the decision process. (14 references) (CLB)

Argues that librarians who wish to build effective video collections need to know what is available and negotiate with distributors for multiple copies and lower prices. Purchasing practices of a school system and a public library are described, including adherence to copyright law. Duplication rights and off-air taping are explained. (EM)

Discusses the decisions involved in the creation of library services in support of the associate degree nursing program at Midland College, such as whether to establish a separate or integrated collection and how to organize the collection. Looks at the philosophy underlying these decisions and the way problems were handled. (DMM)

Provides description of four branches of the National Library of Papua New Guinea: (1) Readers Services Branch (reference, film, serials, and Papua New Guinea collections); (2) National Archives and Records Service; (3) Advisory Services (provides support to special, public, and school libraries); (4) Technical Services Branch (acquisitions,…