Computer‐aided selection in a library network

Abstract

A new selection policy has recently been imple-prepared with the advice of users and supported by mented by the Bell Laboratories Library Network. It is several existing computer-aided systems. Interests are based on selection profiles for each of the member represented both by Dewey Decimal Classification libraries. These profiles, which detail the subjects in numbers and subject descriptors. The profiles provide a which books and other materials will be collected, are formal means by which management can bring available resources directly to bear on user needs.

Monograph evaluation for acquisitions in a large research library

“…Note that in Table I there are essentially five variables of concern: (1) inventory and (2) circulation/inventory ratios for the recently cataloged monographs, (3) inventory and (4) circulation/inventory ratios for the previously cataloged monographs, and (5) circulations for the monographs cataloged prior to July, 1976.…”

“…Bonn [ 2 ] also developed a use factor, which is the ratio of use to holdings for specific subject classes, when both are expressed as percentages of their respective totals. Spaulding and Stanton [3] used total circulation statistics to assist in developing selection profiles for each member of the Bell Laboratories Library Network. Allen [4] recommends discarding materials after one year if they have not been used.…”