This 46th edition of the "Bowker Annual" chronicles another year of rapid evaluation as the library and book trade worlds adapt to the many changes wrought by new technologies. Electronic information is now key to virtually every aspect of both industries, and decisions on its best presentation and organization offer constant challenges and opportunities. As in previous editions, a blend of expert analysis and practical information is assembled in this volume to keep the information professional and up-to-date with developments. The Special Reports in this edition look at four areas of current interest. Thomas A. Peters provides an overview, from a librarian's perspective, of "A Year of Growing Pains for the Electronic Publishing Movement." Janet Swan Hill examines the controversy that surrounds the question of contracting out library services in "Outsourcing: Understanding the Fuss." Ken Haycock reports on a study of how school libraries are making use of Internet content filtering systems, a study that puts particular emphasis on librarians' assessment of the success--or failure--of these systems. Edward J. Valauskas sums up developments in the world of electronic journals and their growing role in information retrieval and scholarship. Also in Part 1, "News of the Year" offers a team of experts' articles on developments in public libraries, school libraries, and publishing. Reports from a score of federal agencies and libraries and national and international organizations round out that section. The year's legislation and regulations affecting libraries and those affecting publishing are examined in Part 2, as are the activities of grant-making and funding programs. Part 3 contains professional information for librarians, including help in finding employment, reports on placements and salaries, and lists of the year's winners of scholarships and awards. A wealth of research and statistics makes up Part 4, from descriptions of noteworthy research projects to detailed data on library acquisition expenditures, prices of materials, and book title output. Reference information in Part 5 ranges from lists of the year's best selling books, most lauded books, and recommended books to such practical information as publisher's World Wide Web addresses and toll-free telephone numbers. Part 6 is a directory of library and publishing organizations at the state, national, and international levels, and includes a multiyear calendar of upcoming events. A glossary of acronyms, index of organizations, and subject index are also provided. (AEF)