Jon Drabenstott, Marvin E. Pollard, Sara C. Heitshu, John Webb and Michael Madden
These studies provide a cross‐section of current library automation activity. They illustrate some of the forces acting on libraries, the growth and development of the library…
Abstract
These studies provide a cross‐section of current library automation activity. They illustrate some of the forces acting on libraries, the growth and development of the library marketplace, and the increasing complexity and interrelationships of automated systems. Above all, they lead to an appreciation of just how daunting automation projects can be, and how profoundly these new systems are changing libraries. These contributors have administered projects in which many successes have been realized in often difficult, but not atypical, circumstances.
Sara C. Heitshu and J. Travis Leach
Managing the serials portion of collection development in research libraries demands the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job. The difficulties presented by variations in…
Abstract
Managing the serials portion of collection development in research libraries demands the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job. The difficulties presented by variations in format, title, and quality of content; bibliographic control; escalating costs; storage; and preservation, not to mention the shifting teaching and research needs of a large campus, require a combination of bibliographer/subject specialist, economist, cataloger, preservation expert, and bibliographic instructor. The interrelationships among library staff, faculty and the library administration can be tested to their outer limits when making decisions about serials.
Reports on the new union catalogue in Hong Kong, expected to makesavings in international interlending traffic. Argues that internationalinterlending is an expensive business, and…
Abstract
Reports on the new union catalogue in Hong Kong, expected to make savings in international interlending traffic. Argues that international interlending is an expensive business, and who should pay has become a hotly debated topic. Shows that before charges can be made, detailed analysis of lending traffic is necessary to prevent emotional judgments. Offers up the Australian SAIL Project as one way to collect such data. Concludes that the conflict between archival responsibilities and research needs is not easy to resolve and needs co‐operation between various professional bodies.