Book Description

Changes occurring in college libraries as a result of automation are described, along with financial issues in library management, personnel issues, and changing patterns of collection development and resource sharing. New developments include online public access catalogs, computer-generated bibliographies, online search systems, and computerized library networks that enable sharing of cataloging records. To promote the conversion to modern information services, library directors need managerial, leadership, and fund-raising skills. In addition to a growing number of academic librarians who have been given faculty status, the library school curriculum and the credentials needed by beginning librarians have changed in response to modern developments. As a result of the tremendous growth in the volume and costs of publications, campus libraries have been unable to maintain previous levels of collection development. Examples of resource sharing, which addresses this difficulty, are identified. Also considered are new formats in library collections (e.g., video discs), and the problem of preserving library materials. Recommendations concerning planning, financial support of libraries, and cooperative library ventures are included.