This 16-article issue focuses on history, policy, services, users, organization, evaluation, and automation of the archival reference process. Collections at academic research libraries, a technical university, Board of Education, business archives, a bank, labor and urban archives, a manuscript repository, religious archives, and regional history…

The OCLC Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Communications Subsystem provides participating libraries with on-line control of ILL transactions. This user manual includes a glossary of terms related to the procedures in using the system. Sections describe computer entry, searching, loan request form, loan response form, ILL procedures, the special message…

Overview of activities and issues that face library administrators considering automation emphasizes acquisition of turnkey systems. Discussion covers reasons for automating, options available, major marketplace issues, keys to a successful automation project, the Request for Information, the Request for Proposal, evaluation techniques, the…

Although originally compiled and published for the California Library Telecommunications Project (an analysis of the telecommunications needs and opportunities for the California State Library on behalf of the state's 169 public libraries), this report also cites examples of, and proposes options for, electronic text use in public libraries…

This discussion of methods for selecting an integrated, public-access library system highlights the traditional idealized selection model; participation by the library director, consultant, task force, committees, and vendors; fads and cost figures; selection of the wrong system; and suggestions for an informal approach to purchasing. Five sources…

SCORPIO (Subject Content-Oriented Retriever for Processing Information On-line), a set of computer programs developed by the Library of Congress for use by the Library Library's staff, is described. Intended as a users guide for those not trained in data processing, this document presents the system's general characteristics together with a…

This manual is intended primarily for libraries that wish to purchase a turnkey automated circulation system and online catalog, but lack the staff, time, and expertise to develop a set of specifications, or the money to hire consultants. Specifications are provided to assist in the selection from several options: (1) development of an in-house…

Reports on the use of microcomputers in comprehensive library circulation systems. Topics covered include system requirements (reliability, completeness); determining circulation system needs (saving money, improving service, modernization); limitations of microcomputers (capacity, kinds of data stored, number of stations or terminals); system…

This essay illustrates a technique for reducing the risks of capital investment decisions involving considerable sums for advanced technologies by considering its application to a problem that arises frequently in selection of automated library systems. Incomplete information, using available information, selecting a system, and consultants are…

The Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations Using a Time-sharing System (BALLOTS) is a computer-based interactive system which supports the acquisition, cataloging, and bibliographic searching processes in the Stanford University Libraries. This document provides extensive descriptions of: (1) the BALLOTS system, (2) its files and…

The "average" costs of integrated library system components--including hardware, software, and related expenses--are outlined to assist in projecting the costs of a small system. Potential benefits of such systems, i.e., areas in which operational costs can be reduced through their use, are also reviewed. (EJS)

The technical report or "fugitive" literature collected by ERIC is produced using a wide variety of printing techniques, many formats, and variable degrees of quality control. Since the documents processed by ERIC go on to be microfilmed and reproduced in microfiche and paper copy for sale to users, it is essential that the ERIC document…

A question-and-answer format is utilized to provide library patron with a brief orientation to the use of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) publication Resources in Education (RIE). Topics covered include the nature of the ERIC system and an explanation of microfiche and related equipment such as: microfiche readers,…

A concise explanation is provided of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and its major components: Resources in Education (RIE) and Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE). ERIC's publications are explained, and instructions are given for conducting a topic search through the ERIC system, from locating the correct terms in…

Discusses number and type of microcomputer software programs useful to libraries and types of hardware on which they run, as identified by Nolan Information Management Services. Highlights include general application programs, applications designed to support library technical processes, producers of library software, and choosing among options.…