Purpose: This paper aims to provide an overview of the published literature and current use of social software by libraries primarily in the UK and USA. Design/methodology/approach: The paper's approach is a literature review and desk research. Findings: Libraries are experimenting considerably in this area and many Web 2.0 applications have been…

During the 1890s, the library media specialty was established through "a School Library Section as an integral part of the National Education Association" (Cole 90). In the ensuing decades, this role has expanded and changed; it demands a balancing act between the more traditional roles surrounding books and reading, and the newer expectations and…

Library user guides from seven large academic libraries were examined for readability using microcomputer software for analysis. Results indicated that most guides are written at or above a reading level of grade 12. Appendices summarize readability formulas and depict in a composite graph the levels of all of the guides examined. (16 references)…

Three currently available technologies--telefacsimile, gateway software, and CD-ROM--are defined, and factors to be considered in selecting these technologies for use in public libraries are listed. Seven references are included. (MES)

Discussion of issues in management of library automation includes: (1) hardware, including systems growth and contracts; (2) software changes, vendor relations, local systems, and microcomputer software; (3) item and authority databases; (4) automation and library staff, organizational structure, and managing change; and (5) environmental issues,…

Developed to help library media personnel, administrators, and educators understand and work with the copyright law as it applies to videotape and microcomputer software, this handbook provides: (1) an overview of copyright, including rights granted to copyright holders and libraries and court interpretation of the copyright law; (2) suggestions…

Compares OCLC, WLN, and RLIN in terms of the composition of the databases, indexes and searching, special uses for public services, costs, and documentation. Selected bibliographies of general public service uses and interlibrary loan applications are provided. (CLB)

Produced to provide educators and library media personnel with some understanding of and direction in the rapidly expanding field of microcomputers and their applications, this monograph includes several articles dealing specifically with media center applications and others concerned more generally with the microcomputer in educational settings.…

Examines the need for medium to large academic libraries to have a policy for staff use of microcomputers. Key issues that should be covered in such a policy are outlined, including rules for acquisition and use, compatibility of hardware and software, and data administration. A model policy is provided. (CDD)

Bibliographic utilities are marketing specially designed hardware and software that permit libraries to patch together automated cataloging, acquisitions, serials control, reference, online public catalogs, circulation, interlibrary loan, and administrative functions. The increasing complexity of the technology is making it more difficult to…

Descriptions of microcomputer software packages currently available in Australia emphasize those used by special and school libraries. Software for library management functions, text retrieval, and database management systems are included, and geographical distribution is examined. The need for professional development courses in software…

Discusses the use of optical disk technology in online searching and compares three versions of the ERIC database currently available on optical disk in terms of hardware requirements, ease of installation, scope and cost of the system, search procedures, displaying and printing results, and documentation and user support. (CLB)

Describes computer-based software and network systems for application to serials and government publications. General and specific functional requirements (hardware, software, file structure) are discussed, and descriptive information about commercially available serials control systems and a list of distributors are provided. (CLB)

Librarians should adopt a teaching role to instruct users in microcomputer literacy, as microcomputer laboratories and software collections are increasingly a part of academic libraries. University of Wisconsin-Parkside has provided microcomputer orientation workshops and faculty seminars in their microcomputer lab for students, faculty, and…

This composite report provides summaries of presentations by 10 experts at the 23rd Annual Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing in April 1986 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. All were concerned with the design of online systems to make them easier for library patrons to use. (Author/CDD)