This SPEC kit is based on a June 1987 survey of approval plan use by 94 members of the Association of Research Libraries. It reports on the current practices of these libraries, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using approval plans, and the effect of increased library materials costs and library automation on such plans. It is noted…

This survey of 57 members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) examines technical and management issues in providing remote access to their online catalogs, as well as with instructions and services for remote users. It is noted that most ARL libraries have not yet conducted studies to project the extent of use of remote access, although…

Discusses transition of the small library into twenty-first century, highlighting evaluation of collection development plans and procedures, examination of catalog in terms of collection control, building of machine databases for future online catalogs to improve access to collections, and involvement in research to improve bibliographic control…

This kit is based on 73 responses to a survey conducted by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Office of Management Services to obtain information on the management of CD-ROM database installations in ARL libraries. The survey sought information in the areas of CD-ROM funding, instruction and publicity, organization, equipment, security,…

This document proposes a model of the decision making process required of research libraries when they embark on digital conversion projects. A series of questions are offered that focus on facilitating the decision making process for library managers. Questions of what and how to digitize are placed in the larger framework of collection building…

Results of a 1978 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) survey indicated that 68 (89%) of responding libraries utilized an automated cataloging system. Of those 68, 53 participated in the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), five in BALLOTS, and the rest in other networks or local systems. At the beginning of this collection, a concise summary…

Considers several systems automating local departmental-based data facilities. Describes design and implementation of a simple system. Concludes by reflecting on changes needed in the system. (Author/CK)

A cooperative serials project was undertaken by eight members of the Association of Research Libraries to develop a regional resource sharing system for current serials. The goals of the program were to implement a cooperative serials acquisitions and deselection program and to promote a rapid and extensive interlibrary loan program through the…

For this kit, 119 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries were surveyed to determine the impact of online catalogs on the training needs of technical services staff and on the planning and organization of programs to meet these needs; responses were received from 66 libraries. Analyses of the responses indicated that the…

In the fall of 1993, the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Office of Management Services conducted a survey to determine the status of automation activities within preservation departments in member libraries. The survey was sent to 68 ARL libraries that have established preservation departments under the management of a preservation…