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As many academic libraries face shrinking space, weeding collections has become a necessity. At Western Carolina University plans for a library renovation provided the opportunity to do a library-wide weeding project of the print collection. This article explains the collaborative undertaking of the arts liaison and the collection development librarian in weeding the fine art print collection. Included are some best practices for weeding an academic library, the importance of creating a collection that is smaller but well utilized by undergraduate students, and a description of the weeding process. Keywords Weeding, deselection, collection management, collection maintenance, art collection, collaboration, Introduction Hunter Library, completed in 1953, is the main library at Western Carolina University (WCU), a state university located in the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. As a [...]

Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, the American Philosophical Society is located near Independence Hall in historic Philadelphia. The library’s collection chiefly covers the history of the sciences, medicine, technology, and American anthropology. Among the library’s eight million manuscripts are materials by Darwin, Jefferson, and Franklin, in addition to the original journals of Lewis and Clark. A library committed to supporting research within the scholarly and professional communities, the staff strives to carry out Franklin’s mandate to foster the spread of “useful knowledge.” [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Family History Library (FHL) of The Church Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is the world's largest genealogical research institution. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, the library's extensive collection features U.S. and international historical society periodicals; family history monographs; and over 2.4 million rolls of microfilm that contain municipal government, church, and business records dating back to 1550. Through its family history centers and the FamilySearch.org Web site, the library provides public access to the names and vital statistics of more than a billion people. Serials Review learns about the library's own history, cataloging procedures, and digital projects. Serials Review 2006; 32:137-142. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries are assessing the need for a separate electronic resource librarian and identifying where managing e-resources fits into the organizational structure. If such a position is warranted, what does it look like? Feedback from the 2004 conference evaluations suggested having a topical discussion session to hear many ideas and find out what has and has not worked. Questions pointed to the need for a better understanding of the responsibilities of the positions and the need to identify the knowledge required to perform at a high level. Salary concerns were also expressed, as was the prevalence of trial and error training. A good mix of librarians from various types of institutions participated in two lively discussions exploring these and other issues related to the successful management of electronic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serials Review visits the Frist Library and Archive at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to a huge number of sound recordings and many other library and archival materials, the Frist Library and Archive maintains an invaluable periodical collection. Among its holdings are rare regional magazines from the forties and fifties, foreign publications on country and bluegrass, important trade journals, scholarly publications, and fan club newsletters. The collection covers not just country, but a wide range of popular genres. Serials Review learns about the library's users, structure, and procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mariners' Museum and Library, begun in 1930 in southeastern Virginia, is world renowned for its collections of maritime ephemera. Collections include ships, boat plans, figureheads, navigational instruments, rare maps, books, and a wonderful collection of serials. Both the museum and library are used by scholars, ship builders, students, and television and movie researchers. It is also a great place for a family to spend the day learning and playing. The library's interactive Web site, with online exhibits and educational programs, is a fantastic resource for those who are not able to travel to the museum. Serials Review 2006; 32:285-287. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States Census Bureau Library, acting on a study commissioned in 2002, has undertaken to improve electronic access for their patrons. The library provides e-journal and database access. The staff relies on usage statistics from these resources to sharpen the focus of the collection. Through an aggressive outreach program Census Bureau employees learn about these new products and services. Future plans include adding more e-journals, an open OPAC, and a new library building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the relationship between libraries and publishers and library vendors, in light of both the article "Joining the Dark Side" by Laura Harris published in the April 2012 issue and her work for the library vendor EBSCO Publishing. Topics include the impact of financial aspects of the publishing industry on librarians' attitudes toward it, the role of respectful and professional communication in business, as well as library vendor relations with librarians.