Library Acquisirions: Practice and Theory, Vol. 9. pp. 249-m 1984 036&X08/84 $03.00+.00 Printed in the USA. Ail rights reserved. Copyright 0 1984 Pergamon Press Ltd

ALA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, 1984

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RTSD RS COLLECTION MANAGEMENT/SELECTION FOR

PUBLIC LIBRARIES DISCUSSION GROUP, JUNE 25,1984

GERALDINE ADAMS

Oklahoma Department of Libraries

200 NE 18th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

The Collection Management/Selection for Public Libraries Discussion Group of ALA, chaired by Judi Fouts (Dallas Public Library), had its third meeting in Dallas, Texas. Following introductions of all those present, Nora Rawlinson of the Baltimore County Public Library gave a history of the past two meetings. Several other reports on meetings were given with so much discussion following that there was not enough time to address the original topic slated for discussion, “Mass Market and Trade Paperbacks.”

RTSD committee volunteer forms were handed out. Those interested in joining committees were encouraged to send them to ALA, plus write or talk to committee members and attend committee meetings of interest.

A list entitled “Programs/ Discussions of Interest to Acquisitions Librarians, ALA Conference, Dallas, June 1984,” which was compiled by the RTSD Acquisitions Committee, was circulated for all to see. Many were not aware of this helpful list, which included locations for meetings on topics such as collection development, publishing, vendors, automated systems and serials.

A function statement for this committee was decided upon for the ALA Handbook of Organization and reads as follows: “To provide a discussion forum for librarians and others whose interests include selection, collection development and collection management in public libraries of all sixes.”

Judi Fouts was re-elected Chair and Romaine Ahlstrom of the Los Angeles Public Library as Chair Elect.

Martin Faigel of the University of Alabama addressed the group, stating the “Guidelines for Collection Development” done by the ALA Collection Development Committee in 1979 are going to be revised. He would welcome any input, sample collection development policies, or uniform terms that could be used for all types of libraries. Any such material should be directed

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to Martin Faigel, University of Alabama Library, P. 0. Box S, University, Alabama 35486 (Phone 205-348-5426).

Reports were given on two preconferences. Romaine Ahlstrom talked about the rare books conference held in Austin, Texas given by the ACRL Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of ALA from June 19-22, 1984. The program focused on selection, access, copyright, and preservation of twentieth-century materials in literature, politics, business, entertainment, journalism, science and the arts. Suggestions were given on doing a program like this for public libraries at ALA in 1985. Sylvie Cox (Dallas Public Library) and Judi Fouts reported on ALA’s “Collection Management in Public Libraries.” Others who had attended felt they would like to see this preconference done again at a higher level. Adele Jones (Prince George’s County Public Library in Maryland) reported that, by using automated circulation statistics, weeding guidelines have been established for their library. This was considered a topic that could be covered if a subsequent workshop on collection development for public libraries was given.

An announcement was made of ALA’s “Collection Management and Development Institute” at the University of California at Irvine to be held from September 4-7, 1984. Those who had attended previous institutes gave insight as to what topics were covered.

Marty Onieal (Broward County Public Library at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) reported on the poster session, *‘Collection Surveys and Collection Development Policy Statements-The First Step Toward Resource Sharing,” given by Mary C. Nicholson, University of Alaska, Juneau.

Lanny Parker (Wake County Public Library in Raleigh, North Carolina) discussed problems with a collection of deteriorating specialized Black history materials which are used by two university libraries. These materials are too fragile to be moved to a location where preservation could be undertaken, and the people in the community do not want them taken from the area. He asked for suggestions on how to get money to fund the preservation of these materials, and whether anyone else had encountered a similar problem. Several ideas were given on how to find people to help him and how to get funding for this project. The discussion group is hoping to keep updated on the progress of this project so that it can be of further assistance if needed.

After discussing the many reports which were given, with everyone offering different points of view and ideas, there was not even enough time left to discuss the original topic listed for discussion. Surely, this serves as one indication of the great need for a collection management/ selection forum for public librarians.