Research was undertaken to determine if the growth of academic library holdings was exponential, as reported by previous studies. Statistical analysis showed the growth rate of the Association of Research Libraries member libraries to be arithmetical, rather than exponential, taking into account library size and inflation. (CDD)

This article describes background and study process used by a committee of librarians and library administrators at Cornell University that has, over the past few years, significantly changed the structure of the paraprofessional staff classification scheme. Job Review Committee recommendations and job titles by "family" (library aide,…

Presents a conceptual model of the information activities of the research library of the future. The future boundary conditions that will affect the library are discussed, including premises about the university, the information industry, technological developments, and governmental priorities. Steps for turning the model into reality are…

A survey of Association of Research Libraries library members studied their use of temporary librarians, paraprofessionals, and clerical workers. This report of the findings covers advantages and disadvantages of temporary help, extent of their use, and wages and benefits. Recommendations for hiring, training, and evaluation of temporary staff are…

Describes a study that used multiple regression analysis to examine whether the apparent influence of sex discrimination on librarians' salaries would be reduced if other factors were considered. The effects of education, employment level, and publications on librarian salaries are discussed, and three approaches to achieving comparable worth are…

Investigates costs and operations of back office activities of three middle-sized research libraries focusing on costs of labor and effects of automation. Measuring costs, labor compensation differences, differences in hours per volume, differences in organization, reduction of labor costs due to automation, and the quality dimension are…

Describes a survey that examined the effects of increasing serial subscription costs on American and Canadian research libraries. Strategies adopted by libraries are described, including faculty and campus involvement, retrenchment, long range planning, and shared resources. Relationships with publishers and the possible impact of electronic…

Identifies and discusses the eight principal functions necessary for effective collection management in academic research libraries. Six organizational models for collection management are described, and then evaluated according to how well each may facilitate those eight functions of effective management. (Author/CLB)

The first article summarizes the findings of four studies which used unobtrusive testing techniques to evaluate library reference services. The validity of this testing method and the conclusions reached are discussed, and suggestions are made for improving reference services in five related articles. (CLB)

Describes a study undertaken by San Jose State University of business-related ready reference searches done at that library. The results suggest that within certain restrictions of patron questions, librarian training, search cost, and the database, ready reference online searches can be the most cost effective approach to providing business…

The impact of an automated circulation system and online catalog on interlibrary loans at a county college is evaluated in terms of activity by patron type, periodicals usage, costs, borrowing activity, and interlibrary loan activity. (CLB)

Reports findings of a Statistics Task Force investigation at New York University's Bobst Library, which reviewed the collection and publication of statistics and data related to library reference and information services and use of resources, and developed a framework for inclusions, definitions, procedures, and policies for data collection and…