Discusses the role of advanced technology in developing new library systems and facilities. Considers the impact of computers on acquisition, reproduction, and availability of material in both general-use libraries and special research facilities, particularly in terms of cost. (JMF)

Presents arguments in support of research library microfilm collections of archival sources for use by scholars. Historical background on microfilming and new technological developments enhancing use of microforms are discussed, as well as preservation and other benefits of microfilming. (10 references) (MES)

Reviews concerns of scholars and librarians in the area of electronic information. The function and importance of integrated scholarly information systems are discussed with examples of ways scholars are likely to acquire and integrate electronic information in the future. The impact of electronic research systems on the nature of academic…

Discusses humanities scholarship from the research library's perspective. Topics include reference versus citation; bibliographic authority and authority control; library collection development which reflects a variety of research methodologies; retention policies; and the derivative nature of reference and citation.(LRW)

Provides a critical examination of the methods and procedures currently followed in the national program for preservation microfilming in research libraries and suggests alternative approaches for selecting materials for microfilming. Source literature is discussed as being important to focus on, and the cost and completeness of bibliographic…

Describes online databases available through the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) that focus on research in the humanities. A survey of five databases (AVERY, ESTC, RIPD, SCIPIO, and AMC) is presented that includes contents, search capabilities, and record formats; and future plans are discussed. (12 references) (LRW)

What will Google do next? Representatives of the company divulge few details of their projects -- a policy that, in the case of its partnerships with university libraries, probably only fuels the buzz. In this interview, Adam M. Smith, a senior business-product manager, discusses Google's work with publishers and libraries on expanding its…

This self-study by the public services staff of Brown University Library provided an opportunity for them to examine past, present, and future operations. The study was conducted by 33 volunteers from the library staff, who were organized into 1 study team and 5 task forces; they worked more than 14 months to develop the recommendations and plans…

This SPEC kit presents the results of a survey which determined employment practices of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries in 1990 in the areas of cultural diversity, minority recruitment, and affirmative action. Categories surveyed in the area of minority recruitment include hiring activities, advertising available…

Papers on public libraries, which were presented at the 1983 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference, include: (1) "The Role of Public Libraries in Developing Countries with Particular Reference to the Gambia" by Sally P. C. N'Jie (The Gambia); (2) "Public Libraries in the Federal Republic of Germany…

This paper summarizes the most pressing issues arising from a collection analysis project (CAP) initiated at the University of Michigan in the summer of 1981, and briefly describes options available for resolving these issues. It is noted that the CAP followed a model developed by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Topics covered…

The rising prices of journals and serials--major information sources for academic and research communities--are explored in this work, which presents two contractor reports on the topic. These two reports are introduced by an overview and summary together with recommendations for further Association of Research Libraries (ARL) action, short…

Program presentations on issues related to the use of statistics by research libraries and business meeting minutes are combined in this report from the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The full text is provided for the three papers on the program theme that were presented at the meeting: (1) "Information to Manage--The Economics of…

This paper analyzes the major national plans for preservation programs in the United States from 1954 to 1985 and shows the extent to which aspects of these plans have been achieved by academic libraries. Plans presented to and commissioned by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) between 1954 and 1972 are examined; the formation of the…

This examination of the past and present states of collection development in the research library covers background information, theories, and associated problems. A historical review of methods that have been and are currently being used for collection development includes discussions of the changes imposed by World War II on the practice of…