Comparison of conventional book stacks, moving aisle book stacks, and industrial storage techniques shows that the industrial technique is the least expensive to build, maintain, and operate. Characteristics of automated storage and retrieval systems are discussed, and formulas for calculating the size and costs of a library system are presented.…

Factors to be considered in designing a comfortable library work environment are identified as new technology, changing relationships between library staff and patrons, and increased awareness of human needs of staff. Features of furniture and equipment for service desk areas, staff work areas, and office areas are discussed. (5 references) (MES)

Outlines factors used by online vendors to decide whether to bid on RFPs (requests for proposals) for library automation systems, including specifications for software, hardware or performance requirements not met by the vendor; specifications based on competitors' systems; the size and complexity of the request itself; and vendors' time…

Several online vendors address the issue of RFPs (requests for proposals) for library systems, discussing the documents' style, technical standards, library expectations, liabilities associated with using this procedure, factors in the decision to bid, and the need for a standardized document and national clearinghouse. (CLB)

Describes use of RFPs (requests for proposals) to specify requirements for automated library systems and presents advice on when to use RFPs, how to construct the statements, and how to present library needs and priorities so that maximum success in choosing a vendor and system are achieved. (Author/CLB)

Describes computerization of routine library procedures on Apple microcomputers at a small regional campus of Ohio University. Highlights include use of a database management program--PFS:FILE--for acquisition lists, equipment/supplies inventory, microfilm and periodicals management, and statistical manipulations, and a spreadsheet…

Describes the selection of a library computer system for the University College of the Northern Territory in Australia. The criteria used in developing a cost-effective system, advantages and disadvantages of the resulting system, and possible applications to libraries in developing nations are discussed. (CLB)

Outlines the evaluation criteria used by the reference department at the Williams Library at the University of Mississippi in selecting databases and hardware used in CD-ROM workstations. The factors discussed include database coverage, costs, and security. (CLB)

This sourcebook is an indexed compilation, on microfiches, of material published during 1992 and 1993 in "Library Technology Reports" (LTR) and "Library Systems Newsletter.""LTR" is a publication by the American Library Association (ALA) which provides critical evaluation of products and systems used in libraries,…

Results of this survey of 26 public and academic libraries of national stature show that the country's major libraries are fully committed to automating their library operations. Major findings of the survey show that: (1) all libraries surveyed are involved in automation; (2) all libraries surveyed have automated their catalogs and bibliographic…

This document, the 10th in a series distributed annualy to provide a central source of timely information and materials on the management and operations of large academic and research libraries, presents the results of a 1984 Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) survey of microcomputer use in the Association of Research Libraries (ARI)…

One of the most significant decisions in a library administrator's career is the decision to automate one or more of a library's operations. This book describes the present state of local library automation; the planning, selection, and implementation process; and the library administrator's role in the process. The bulk of the text provides a…