Discussion of using vendors for retrospective conversion of library catalogs rather than in-house projects highlights reasons to consider vendors, four conversion methodologies, and vendor selection criteria (database, non-matches, local data, accuracy, charging, schedule, product delivery time, local system compatibility, MARC format, impact on…

This tutorial on packet radio (communication system using radio and digital packet-switching technology) highlights radio transmission of data, brief history, special considerations in applying packet radio to library online catalogs, technology, defining protocol at physical and network levels, security, geographic coverage, and components. (A…

Discusses the reasons and methods for retrospective conversion of library catalog data into machine-readable form. The need for standards is emphasized and suggestions are given for documenting local standards. Ideas are included for completing the conversion of a project done by a vendor, where some parts may have been overlooked. (Author/EM)

Discusses the Virginia Tech Library System (VTLS) which is currently in an intermediate step between a basic short-record circulation and finding system and a totally integrated library processing system that will incorporate circulation control, acquisitions, serials, and an online catalog. (CHC)

This handbook is designed to assist experienced catalogers and library school students in the application of the most commonly used rules for bibliographic description, choice of access points, and form of headings in accordance with the revised Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2R). The book is intended as a supplement to the text of the…

This four-part report describes the development of a plan for Hennepin County (Minnesota) Library's (HCL) next steps in the automation of operations including the public catalog, cataloging, circulation control, and acquisitions. The objectives of the plan were to improve patron access to materials and to provide for cost effective operations.…

This manual was compiled for use by staff and graduate assistants working in the OCLC Cataloging Section of the Automated Services Unit, Technical Services Division, University of Illinois Library at Urbana-Champaign. Although the procedures described are institution-specific, their applications could be adapted to accommodate copy cataloging…

Focusing on cataloging operations contingent upon public catalog usage, this article identifies necessary components of a collection access policy, discusses representative samples of policies that can be adapted to individual library practices, and provides guidelines for the development and implementation of a statement useful for planning…

Describes and analyzes various methods of automated authority control currently available and suggests questions to ask when considering purchase of system. Highlights include manual versus automated authority control and levels of service in automated authority systems (network, vendor). Glossary of terminology and list of networks and vendors…

This survey of 57 members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) examines technical and management issues in providing remote access to their online catalogs, as well as with instructions and services for remote users. It is noted that most ARL libraries have not yet conducted studies to project the extent of use of remote access, although…

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…

Briefly reviews history of library automation before discussing factors that libraries should consider before choosing to go online (collection size, machine-readable database, computer equipment, costs), and features of online catalogs (database organization, search features, authority files, display options). Information about selected online…

Discusses factors to consider when estimating the number of public access terminals (PACs) or workstations needed in public and academic libraries for online catalogs, including building size and layout, physical facilities, resources available through the system, peripheral equipment, graphical user interfaces, remote users, system capacity, and…

Describes an inservice teacher training program developed to teach secondary school teachers how to search CD-ROMs, laser disks, and automated catalogs. Training sessions held during faculty meetings are described, computer activities are explained, a sample worksheet for searching an electronic encyclopedia is included, and sources for CD-ROMs…

The purpose of this manual is to explain some of the basics of cataloging and classification for many types of library materials in small libraries. The ideas presented were gathered from practical applications in small libraries and from examples in standard cataloging and classification tools. The manual is designed for self instruction. There…