Reports the results of a survey of libraries having authority control and using authority control vendors, which was conducted to examine online maintenance features of present systems. The features discussed include global updates; uniqueness, hierarchical, and reciprocity checks; human intervention; field validation; and frequency of authority…

This brief planning guide for library automation incorporates needs assessment and evaluation of options to meet those needs. A bibliography of materials on automation planning and software reviews, library software directories, and library automation journals is included. (CLB)

This special issue on CD-ROM comprises six articles covering the following topics: (1) an overview of the library market; (2) the producer's perspective; (3) implementation issues; (4) problems; (5) future needs and trends; and (6) a 23-item bibliography which includes an annotated section designed as a self-instructional module. (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…

Describes a technique for accessing a library system with limited interconnectivity by connecting the system to a gateway machine that is a host in the local area network and evaluates the performance of an existing prototype that has been implemented at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. (Author/CLB)

Discusses some of the factors that librarians should consider when planning to automate their libraries. These factors include vendor and systems selection; equipment; support; additional costs; and time. Seven tips to avoid common automation pitfalls are also given. (MAB)

Discussion of basic telecommunications concepts includes data terminal equipment, carrier equipment and data communications equipment. Guidelines offered for librarians planning the implementation of a telecommunications network address reliability and costs of equipment, requirements of the system, and ease of use of the system. (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)

Focusing on the use of microcomputers as "smart terminals" for accessing time-sharing systems for libraries, this document discusses the communications software needed to allow the microcomputer to appear as a terminal to the remote host. The functions which communications software programs are designed to perform are defined and…

Discusses the need for careful systems analysis and design in the implementation of microcomputer based information systems. Checklists of system requirements and a bibliography of relevant journals, printed, and online sources are provided. (CLB)

This discussion of library software packages includes guidelines for library automation with microcomputers; criteria to aid in software selection; comparison of some features of available acquisitions, circulation and overdues software; references for software reviews; additional information on microsoftware; and a directory of producers and…

The development, field testing, and evaluation of a checklist approach to selecting an integrated library automation system are described, and recommendations for using this approach are outlined. The checklist, which is divided into five main sections of catalog features and functions, is appended. (Author/CLB)

The first of two articles describes the development of a protocol for interlibrary loan communications by the National Library of Canada, and discusses the benefits derived from standards that allow libraries using different communications equipment to exchange messages. The second discusses the impact of the standardized protocol on…

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)

Proposes a rationale to be used in comparing and evaluating alternative library computer catalogs, based on varieties of bibliographic data processed, kinds of indexes constructed, and desired search strategies. A glossary of terms related to computerized catalogs is appended. (Author/CLB)