Results of performance evaluation of vendor supplying library materials to Knox College Library indicate that, despite vendor's claims for comprehensiveness of stock, only 40-50 percent of orders could be filled from stock, and performance with regard to both subjects and publishers varied as much as 50 percent. Nine references are cited. (EJS)

Describes a methodology for the systematic review of library standing orders in the form of a point system that rates titles according to support of university programs; interlibrary loan availability; language; price; frequency; access by analytics; indexes, or abstracts, and circulation. (Author/MBR)

Availability analysis was used to evaluate an online catalog in a small university library. Problems found likely to interfere with patron success with the catalog included: (1) incomplete location information; (2) incomplete holdings information; (3) misinterpretation by the search program of special characters; and (4) inadequate access points…

Defines mechanical and expert selection of library materials and investigates the usefulness of mechanical selection in three test cases involving popular novels, German literature, and contemporary poetry. The cost of mechanical selection is examined and more quantification in selection practice is recommended. Data are presented in eight tables,…

Argues that conflicts existing within the professional value system of librarianship have made it difficult for librarians to fulfill their obligation to represent fairly the values and viewpoints of all segments of society. Professional goals and ideals that demonstrate such conflicts are discussed, and possible means to their resolution are…

Review of the 1991 literature on serials discusses publishing and scholarly communication; subject bibliographies; acquisitions; pricing; evaluation and use studies; electronic serials; cataloging, classification, and shelf arrangement; indexing and content analysis; automated serials control; preservation; professional issues; union catalogs; and…

Discusses four new book photocopiers and major equipment factors--paper, toner, ultraviolet light, and machine design--that should be considered in preservation photocopying. An approach for selecting a copier is suggested. The appendix includes a table of specification data for the copiers and a checklist for copier evaluation. (25 references)…

A comparison of the Bradfordian ranking of journals by their production of papers in a subset of psychological literature with the same journals ranked by quality of papers judged by their frequency of citation shows no significant correlation. Quality is more closely related to journal circulation and rejection rates. (Author/MBR)

Describes the use of the "Science Citation Index" in deciding whether to keep older basic science books that have failed to meet other criteria for collection retention. It is concluded that manual searching of the indexes proved feasible and reliable, while the lack of book titles on the online version reduced reliability of weeding…

Describes a study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, to evaluate the need for preservation of oversized pocket illustrations in geology master's theses. Factors contributing to deterioration are described, including mechanical and chemical factors; criteria for defining conditions are listed; and suggestions for preventing…