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The article offers tips to readers' advisory librarians on using the recurring themes of science fiction (SF) to connect readers to old and new works in order to make full use of a library's collection. It discusses several classic themes in SF, including aliens, artificial intelligence and cyborgs, time travel and the threat posed by climate change. It also suggests pairings of classic works and new titles that explore such themes.

Presents modified transcripts of talks presented at the American Library Association (ALA) Conference in New Orleans, sponsored by the Imagineering Interest Group of LITA. Prescient commentators; Information revolution and science fiction writing; Technology and its future prospects.

Focuses on the role of science fiction on the development of technologies similar to them. Making science fiction a reality; Information science and the wonders of computerization.

The article discusses literature mash-ups, focusing on those that incorporate aspects of historical fiction and are aimed at teenagers and young adults. Books that fuse characteristics of historical fiction and fantasy, including "The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray," by Chris Wooding, and titles fusing historical fiction and science fiction, including "The Black Canary," by Jane Louise Curry, are examined. Mixed reviews of and responses to literary mash-ups are examined and the use of fusion titles to introduce readers to aspects of historical fiction is explored.

This study assesses the extent to which ARL academic libraries collect science fiction novels. A core list of 200 novels, published between 1950 and 2000, that have either won science fiction awards or been cited on "best" lists were checked against the holdings of 112 ARL libraries. Findings suggest that science fiction is not extensively collected at most libraries studied. The study also assesses differences in how novels are collected by date and by nationality and gender of author. To support in-depth and serious research in a field of increasing scholarly interest, libraries may need to reconsider their collecting practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on strategies for librarians advising readers on books related to fantasy and science fiction (SF). Compilation of a list of genre classics and standard titles on SF; Factors to consider when developing a recommended reading list; Details on 'Legends,' an anthology of original novellas and long stories by famous fantasy writers.

Part III. Reports on the Science Fiction Foundation Library at the University of Liverpool. History of the archive of the future; Reflections on activities of librarianship; Reconception of the term library resource.

Focuses on efforts to promote science fiction collections at the Library of Congress and beyond. Short list of the most gifted writers in the field; Formation of Literary Science Fiction & Fantasy Electronic Discussion List; Establishing an Internet discussion list.