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The article reports on a study performed during 1987 that tested the belief among catalogers that the quality of original cataloging in online computer library catalog (OCLC) and research libraries information networks (RLIN) differs markedly, and determines whether some kinds of errors occurred with greater frequency in member-contributed original cataloging. In the early years of these two major U.S. bibliographic networks, Library of Congress machine-readable cataloging (LC MARC records) formed the nucleus and large majority of records of both databases. Although LC MARC records are not error-free, they were then and are today the highest standard of quality in the U.S., leaving the networks to assume that most of their cataloging was the best quality available. Using MARC records as their authority, both databases required member libraries to follow LC practice. The proportion of records in OCLC and RLIN contributed by member libraries has grown steadily, while the proportion of LC MARC records declined. The two networks took different approaches to quality control. They had different objectives, pricing structures, cataloging needs and capabilities, and historic developments. At the risk of oversimplifying, it is not unfair to say that OCLC emphasized building its database, encouraging members to contribute new cataloging without applying strict controls on its accuracy and fullness, while RLIN assigned a high priority to cataloging quality, encouraging accuracy and fullness in records even if fewer of them were contributed as a result.

Focuses on the debate over a proposal of offering free access to data in public libraries in Wisconsin. History of the library profession in the state; Goal of free shared resources; Implications of the proposal for librarians.

Focuses on the significance of implementing technical services in the public libraries of the U.S. Different kinds of technical services; Adoption of the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules and bibliographic utilities in library automation; Use of classification systems to arrange library materials; Survey on the methods to operate technical services in libraries; Need for standard and uniform library cataloging.

Responds to the article "Serials: How To Save Money," a case study in which a university president seeks to make changes to how the library purchases serial publications in order to save money. Observation that a plan to order serial subscriptions through individual faculty members rather than through an institutional subscription service is unethical; Opinion that university libraries should have high ethical standards; View that the library administrator should assess which periodicals and monographs get the most use by library users, and eliminate those which are used only sporadically; Thoughts on how library budgets should be divided among the needs of the library; Idea that the library administrator should look to grants and other sources of income to augment university funding.

Presents letters to the editor referencing articles and topics discussed in previous issues. "NYPL Faces Budget Cut Wars," which examined the role of unions in salary negotiations; Comment of the book author on the review of "Medical Tests and Diagnostic Procedures: A Patient's Guide to Just What the Doctor Ordered; Column discussing the application for funding under the LSCA Title VI Library Literacy Program.

The article reviews the DVD collection of the television program "Father Brown: The Complete Collection," directed by Robert Tronson and starring Kenneth More.

The article reviews the blu-ray release of film series "Agatha Christie's Poirot: Series 12" directed by Ashley Pearce and others.

A review of the DVD release "Gershwin & Bess: A Dialogue With Anne Brown" is presented.

The article reviews "The Catherine Cookson Anthology," a collection of seven film adaptations of romance novels by Catherine Cookson.

The article reviews three DVD video discs, "New Scandinavian Cooking with Andreas Viestad, Vol. 1," "New Scandinavian Cooking with Andreas Viestad, Vol. 2," and "New Scandinavian Cooking with Tina Nordstrom."

Reviews the film 'Cuisine of North India: Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Dishes.'

Presents reviews of books and publications relating to the industries of publishing, and libraries. Mention of the work `Growing Pains: Adapting Copyright for Libraries, Education, and Society,' `Budgeting: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians,'; More.