A general selection theorem for a Vietoris-like
hyperspace topology is obtained and, as a result,
several known selection theorems for both
`topology'- and `metric'-generated hyperspace topologies
are improved from a common point of view. Applications are
presented in characterizing classes of metrizable spaces by
continuous selections for their hyperspaces.
1991 Mathematics Subject Classification: primary 54B20, 54C65;
secondary 54E45, 54D65, 54E40, 54C10, 54G12.