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The proliferation of articles in library literature about costs, cost studies, and the concepts of analysis and accounting is a positive sign of activity in the cost‐competitive library world. Many articles, no matter the topic, contain some comments on costs. The articles in this bibiliography were selected because cost is the significant or entire emphasis on the material. I used traditional and library literature and ERIC sources, restricted the titles to the past 10 years, and excluded non‐United States publications.

As libraries and information centers grow in complexity and, in many cases, become big business, financial management skills take on increased importance for librarians and other information workers. External and internal pressures like reductions in library budgets, escalation of costs faster than revenues, pressures from outside agencies for increased productivity, accountability, organizational efficiency and effectiveness have all pushed librarians to expand their competencies in the financial arena.

When librarians think of accounting, they generally think of budgets. However, accounting includes planning and control activities broader than creating budgets. Managerial accounting concentrates on internal decision‐making processes. In many libraries, external budgetary reports have mandated techniques that the library is expected to use. Internal reports and operational budgets are designed by the librarian. The question is: How can internal reporting and operational budgets be used advantageously in the library? Using managerial accounting is one answer.

Algermissen, Virginia, Penny Billings, Sandra Grace, Barbara Guidry, and John Blair. “Subminute Telefacsimile for ILL Document Delivery.” Information Technology and Libraries, I (Sept., 1982), 274–5.

ANYBODY whoses daily work involves the planning and spending of money must at all times be concerned by efforts to ensure that value is being obtained for the money spent. Those of us who, as librarians, are spending the money of fellow tax‐payers, are naturally doubly concerned about this problem. In addition, the very phrase “value for money” to a Yorkshireman is a continual challenge, and a point on which he instinctively feels, rightly or wrongly, that he has some secret inborn knowledge.

Anyone who has tried to review studies relating to use of academic libraries may argue that a great deal of research exists on college students and how they use their libraries. Studies of reading habits and library use among college students have been appearing for more than fifty years, and the diligent student can compile an impressive bibliography of these studies. In spite of all we have learned about student interaction with library resources, there is still much we do not know.

All items listed may be borrowed from the Aslib Library, except those marked, which may be consulted in the Library.

How valuable are statistical reports to libraries? They can be very useful tools, creating a common frame of reference for library managers and trustees. They can help them gauge library support and suggest options for the future.

Technology is an integral part of library functions in Australia. The development of a national bibliographic network, of local and regional cooperation, integrated library systems, telecommunications, and online systems, as well as usage of microcomputers, ergonomics, copyright issues, and national information policy are all discussed. Additionally, the ambitious information technology plans of the Parliamentary Library of Australia are described.

This paper reviews a series of studies sponsored by the Association of Research Libraries to determine more rational and economical methods for serving the information needs of the public. Libraries in the United States are characterised as independent agencies supported from governmental and private sources and serving a local clientele. Steadily rising costs of operation associated with population growth, increased publishing rates, higher wages and other factors have led to reduced quality of services. Efforts to share costs through interlibrary loan and other co‐operative arrangements have only partially alleviated the financial problems and have done little to improve the quality of services. The ultimate solution is seen as a more systematic national approach designed to optimise available resources in order to achieve more rationally defined goals. There remain a number of unresolved questions concerning the configuration of national resource collections, bibliographic organisation and access, communication and delivery methods, and co‐ordinating mechanisms. A strong leadership role by the federal government seems mandatory for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive, higher quality information service.