This paper describes the development of an online public access catalog from a limited-purpose online circulation system at Ohio State University (OSU) and the negative and positive aspects of this transition. It is noted that the online system, known as the Library Control System (LCS), was designed to be fully operational in July 1982. Steps in…

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) kit provides a sample of excerpts from technical and planning documents contributed by 40 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries that are planning to install or have already implemented optical disc technology. Selected to represent a variety of media and applications, the…

Describes the selection of an automated library system for 11 university cluster libraries in Wisconsin, from the decision to automate and the development of a proposal request, through the selection process itself. Appendices include a chronology of events, participants in the process, a checklist of activities, and additional suggestions.…

Based largely on recommendations from a 1986 strategy study, this long range plan for the improvement of library services in Idaho addresses goals and activities for the years 1989-1991. It is intended to support the direction of library development begun in 1984 to improve services to the user and to meet Library Services and Construction Act…

A general description of microcomputer-based spreadsheet software capabilities and their usefulness in library management analysis and planning are presented. Five specific spreadsheet models which apply to retrospective conversion cost and scheduling, COM and book catalog costs, and acquistions processing costs are discussed and displayed in…

This annual report on the comprehensive five-year program for the enhancement of libraries in New York State achieves the following: (1) provides a benchmark for the continuing planning, development, and evaluation of state library services; (2) summarizes the objectives, policies, and programs undertaken for the improvement of those services; (3)…

Describes the trend toward decentralization and local, integrated systems in the library network environment. The response of the bibliographic utilities to these trends is discussed in terms of distributed processing systems, participation in the Linked Systems Project, the introduction of new and improved services, and international ventures. (1…

Discusses design features of the Online Catalog of LS/2000, OCLC's enhanced version of Integrated Library System. This minicomputer-based system provides bibliographic file maintenance, circulation control, and online catalog searching. Examples of available displays--holdings, full MARC, work forms, keyword entry, index selection, brief citation,…

Undertaken at the request of the Ad Hoc Statewide Automation Committee, this report provides a common understanding for Maine librarians of current library networking and how it might apply to Maine. The current status of Maine libraries and their cooperative and automation activities is summarized; resource-sharing in other states is examined;…

This report describes a program to expand the Books by Mail program at the Monterey (California) County Library. An introductory section provides background information on the development of the program, and the second section discusses the process of identifying target populations, which include those in geographically remote areas and the…

Describes ACCESS PENNSYLVANIA, a statewide program structured around school libraries which has two objectives: (1) production of a union catalog to facilitate resource identification and retrieval, and (2) development of automated support capabilities within the libraries served by the project. The CD-ROM microcomputer technology used, Le Pac, is…

Three papers are compiled here for research library directors: (1) "Background: Open Systems Interconnection," in which David F. Bishop provides fundamental background information to explain the concept of the emerging technology of linked systems and open systems interconnection--i.e., an agreed upon standard set of conventions or rules…

This training manual and statewide plan begins by describing the role of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Library Resources/Technology Section as one of providing leadership, consultation, communication, and coordination in the systematic development of technology in Oklahoma school library media centers. Information about the Oklahoma…

This examination of the philosophy and objectives of academic library reference services provides an overview of the major reference approaches to fulfilling the following primary objectives of reference services: (1) providing accurate answers to patrons' questions and/or helping patrons find sources to pursue their research needs; (2) building…

This digest presents a reprint of an article which examines management principles that should be considered when implementing library end user searching programs. A brief discussion of specific implementation issues includes needs assessment, hardware, software, training, budgeting, what systems to offer, publicity and marketing, policies and…