Created at the Library of the University of California, Berkeley, by a task force on machine readable data files (MRDFs), this policy provides guidance to materials selectors in acquiring MRDFs through purchase, gift, lease, network, or other cooperative arrangements. The guidelines offer a collection development framework and identify problems to…

Prepared by the Statewide Automation Committee of the New York State Education Department, this plan outlines strategic directions for library automation development in New York, as supported by state and federal funds, through the year 1989. This plan comprises 20 recommendations for accomplishing a three-part automation program: (1) statewide…

Surveys areas of vulnerability for library databases, provides guidelines to minimize the threat of disasters, and outlines recovery procedures. Topics covered include planning for natural catastrophes, designing physical and data environments, prevention of computer failure, vendor failure, and steps for developing a disaster prevention and…

This manual is written for any library planning to introduce a new or replacement automated system. It focuses on planning for an integrated system that computerizes a multiplicity of library functions using one common database. This second edition contains a new section on the preparation of a technology strategic plan, a section on developing…

Finding that the promotion of a national information industry can best be pursued through the planning and establishment of a national teledocumentation network, this study (based on the experiences of Spain) offers a model that may be of interest to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) member states wishing to…

Describes ways in which microcomputer technology can help school media centers with collection development. The need to map the media center collection is discussed, benefits of collection mapping are explained, the need to consider curriculum requirements is emphasized, and setting up a database and spreadsheet is discussed. (LRW)

This guide addresses the role of online searching in school library media centers. The first section reviews the literature in the area and presents guidelines for planning and implementing online access for students based on the experiences reported. This section lists 44 references. The second section summarizes the results of a 1986 survey of…

Discusses transition of the small library into twenty-first century, highlighting evaluation of collection development plans and procedures, examination of catalog in terms of collection control, building of machine databases for future online catalogs to improve access to collections, and involvement in research to improve bibliographic control…

Considers how to plan for online reference services. Highlights include local access to databases, including CD-ROM and database licensing; local gateways; online search services; and planning considerations, including cost, locating online information, telecommunications and computing infrastructures, and equal access. (Contains 15 references.)…

This 5-year departmental strategic plan (1988-1993) was developed according to the strategic planning process adopted by Arizona State University (ASU). Nine goals of ASU's Cataloging Department are presented in separate sections in this report: (1) to continue the development and improvement of the intellectual content of the online catalog so…

Examines four areas of planning for libraries before incorporating CD-ROM reference systems: (1) hardware, including a microcomputer, CD-ROM reader, and printer; (2) databases; (3) search and retrieval software; and (4) user education. (3 references) (MES)

Provides an overview of the basics of retrospective conversion and guidelines for the analysis of the collection, including its depth, age, and extent of foreign and nonprint materials. The use of accepted cataloging standards is advocated. (CLB)

The Association of Research Libraries' Office of Management Services (OMS), working with the Research Libraries Group, Inc. (RLG), began the North American Collections Inventory Project (NCIP) in July 1983 as a cooperative effort intended eventually to involve research libraries throughout the United States and Canada. The project's long-term goal…

Examines factors relating to selecting machine-readable information sources from the perspective of the library manager concerned with serving user needs. Professional and novice searchers are considered; remote time sharing, CD-ROM workstations, and local tapes are described and compared; network choices are discussed; and impacts on the…

Suggests ways of using personal computers in special libraries, including online searching; CD-ROM networks; reference work; current awareness services; press cuttings services; selective dissemination of information; local databases; object linking and embedding; cataloging; acquisitions; circulation; serials control; interlibrary loan; space…