The Kilgour Collection of Russian Literature at Harvard College Library

As an undergraduate at Harvard University, Bayard L. Kilgour (’27) developed a life-long interest in Russia. Kilgour made numerous trips to Soviet Russia where he placed special emphasis on acquiring books, paintings, and other decorative artwork. His passion for Russia is witnessed through his philanthropic endeavors both to the Harvard University Libraries and to the Cincinnati Art Museum. In addition to donations of books and other artifacts, Mr. Kilgour provided endowments for the continued acquisition of Slavic materials to ensure that the collections he established continue to develop and grow.     

An Initial Report on the Publishing Activities of the Italian Minority Communities in Croatia and the Istrian and Dalmatian Diasporic Communities in Italy

The report focuses on the publishing activities of the Italian minority communities in Croatia and the Istrian and Dalmatian diasporic communities in Italy. These publications take a variety of forms and include monographs, belle-lettres, reference works, Italian-language textbooks, contemporary literature, and academic journals. Some are published by local organizations, others by university and commercial presses, while others are privately funded. The report is a preliminary effort to document scholarly resources that are important to both Slavic and Italian studies.     

Russian Publishing, 2000-2001

Abstract

The Russian government is exerting increasing control over the country's media, although the media are resisting. This government-media conflict is relevant to Western academics and libraries, because the variety and quality of Russian periodicals is at stake. In addition, if the media are constrained, publishers of books are likely to experience restrictions, too. The difficulties the government is having in controlling the media, however, are a measure of how much Russia has changed. At the same time this conflict is occurring, book publishing is thriving. Official statistics show the number of titles published surpassed even the previous record set in 1977. Planning is in progress to restructure the state book industry sector, including publishing, printing and distribution. Book prices have increased more rapidly than inflation, and postage costs have also increased. Russian Press Service is doing its best to keep its prices to Western libraries down.     

Comparative Usage of Science E-book and Print Collections at Texas A&M University Libraries

This study compares usage figures between equivalent e-books and print books owned by the Texas A&M University Libraries in the physical sciences and technology. For NetLibrary, the top 10 science e-books were used over six times more than the print books, and the top 10 chemistry e-books were used over three times more than their print counterparts. For ebrary, the top 17 science e-books were used at least 17 times more than the same print books. In Safari, the top 10 computer science e-books were used 207 times more than their print counterparts. Usage statistics such as these can help librarians make informed e-book purchase decisions, especially in times of retrenchment.     

Students' Understanding of the Library of Congress Call Number System

Students' ability to effectively understand and use call numbers to locate materials in the library is still an important skill in the digital age. This study explores students' perceptions of Library of Congress call number schemes and identifies the conditions that impede or facilitate students' successful location of desired library materials. Using a multiple case study design, this article describes the perceptions of undergraduate students who attend a 4-year public university in the Midwest. The findings suggest that students demonstrate little facility for locating books easily and independently, misinterpret call numbers in diverse ways, and do not fully understand the library's organization of materials.     

Book Clubs: Not Just for Public Libraries

While recreational reading is often seen as the purview of public libraries, academic libraries can also reap the benefits of hosting book clubs. This article discusses the steps the St. Catherine University library took to create a book club on campus. The article includes an overview of the St. Catherine University's book club, the benefits of hosting a book club, and suggestions for starting a book club in an academic library.     

公共图书馆网站新书推荐服务调查分析——以东部地区省级公共图书馆为例

图书馆新书推荐服务及时将新书信息传递给读者,可加快馆藏文献信息的传递速度,提高新书的利用率。对我国东部地区省级公共图书馆网站新书推荐栏目进行调查,分析了图书馆网上新书推荐服务的特点和不足,提出服务改进建议。     

The Noble Art of Reviewing:

Reviewing (whether book, film, software or CDROM) is an often neglected but important aspect of librarianship. The task provides far more than the essential professional service of locating good titles and avoiding bad ones. It stimulates scholarly debate, stirs up controversy, and perhaps most importantly--gives young librarians in today's undergraduate and college libraries a great place to start publishing. Here are some tricks of the trade, considerations of the hassles, and perspectives on the noble art of reviewing.     

The Campus Courier Service: Campus Delivery of Books and Journals at Auburn University

The Auburn University Libraries Campus Courier Service, a campus delivery service, allows Auburn University faculty, staff, and graduate students to have bound journals and books delivered to their offices located on the main campus and at the two branch libraries. This service is available free of charge to eligible users. This article presents an overview of the service by describing its structure and usage. It is hoped that the knowledge of the current usage of this service could help the Auburn University Libraries plan informed liaison activities, collection development, and further growth and promotion of the service. An analysis of current usage statistics provides some baseline data for future comparisons with peer institutions and for strategic planning at Auburn.