(Rather, things I didn't know about the libraries)
- A monograph is really a book .
- What we call as journals, the librarians refer to as titles.
- Books are sold upon their publication, whereas the periodicals are sold before their publication .
- Most libraries have bigger annual budgets for periodicals than for books.
- Libraries pay a different (typically higher) price for aquisitions than individuals and departments would, for the same item .
- The library business is dominated by a few large and influential companies (no wonder startups like ebrary have a hard time competing).
- The best way to support a library is to use it (Library visitations are on a sharp decline all over the world).
- The librarians (altruists), are in a constant battle with the publishers (capitalists) to represent the best interests of the the knowledge-seekers .
- The shopping list of libraries (this is especially true of corporate libraries) is a closely guarded secret, because it reveals the focus of research activity in the organization
Update Jan 13, 2003 -- Karen Gorss Benko, a catalog librarian writes that Video and Sound recordings are also referred to as monographs. Thank you Karen!
