Discusses the role of the prison library and the appropriateness of applying the public library model in prisons. Problems with staffing in prison libraries and deficiencies caused by a lack of statewide coordination are cited. Financial support, security, literacy programs, innovative services, and social responsibility are also considered. (25…

States rationale for provision of library service to jail residents and discusses services in United States institutions noting administration, staffing, funding, delivery of service, materials, programs and services, security barrier, professionalism and standards, and contracts for service. Twenty-two references and a 24-item bibliography are…

Reviews the current literature to provide information on openings and recent appointments at the state librarian level around the country. The varied roles of state libraries are also described, and a brief discussion of the qualifications of a state library director is included. (21 references) (MES)

Discusses emerging theory that there are two different kinds of technical services, one for public and school libraries and another for academic/research and special libraries. Highlights include use of "The Anglo-American Cataloging Rules," library size versus type, classification, library automation, and results of survey of 13 library…

Examines the development of the microcomputer and focuses on its potential for library automation. The characteristics of microcomputers and minicomputers are contrasted and a selected annotated bibliography includes a list of specialty magazines on microcomputers. (RAA)

Discusses strategies for research libraries to meet current demands and limitations through networks and resource sharing. Explored in terms of their importance to research library development are OCLC, the Research Libraries Group and their networks, the concept of a central resources pool, and the impact of the information industry. (SW)

Discusses concerns of librarians entering field of library automation emphasizing issues surrounding automated circulation control systems and online catalogs. Factors which have contributed to dramatic growth in these areas are enumerated: MARC II format, reduced computer costs, commercial vendors, scarce resources, and turnkey systems. (EJS)

This description of experiments with the use of videotex systems in British public libraries includes activities and undertakings sponsored by the British Library Research and Development Department, commercial and public videotex services in the U.K., and videotex projects initiated by library associations such as ASLIB. (JL)

Presents overview of three decades of library automation: the 1960s, dominated by primitive local systems; the 1970s, dominated by large multitype and multipurpose networks; and the 1980s, which will be dominated by a return to local systems. Bibliographic utilities and library networks and cooperation are noted. Twenty-one references are listed.…

Despite obvious and fundamental differences, contemporary library issues strikingly familiar to those of the west also beset the Soviet library world--issues that so far have been bridged in only technical apolitical areas. Governmental insistence on the centrality of ideology to library service remains an international stumbling block.…

Explores the use of public online access systems, noting three reasons for their emergence: the failure of computer output microform (COM) catalogs, online circulation systems, and commercial vendors. User needs and wants and librarian requirements are outlined in terms of cost considerations. Fourteen references are listed. (EJS)

Discussion of the process of postsecondary accreditation highlights elements of accreditation (institutional, move from private voluntary activity to public process; and accreditation by American Library Association's Committee on Accreditation (public interest, institutional setting, standards, broadening the field, undergraduate programs). (21…

Utilization of telecommunications and computer technology to increase access to information is identified as a primary goal for public libraries. To further service in the future, libraries should consider database services, online access to library resources, online community conferencing, community databases, network resource sharing,…

Discusses current technology for electronic publishing, including various options in desktop-based, television-based, and portable platforms, and describes the capabilities of CD-I (compact disk-interactive). Future directions for electronic publishing in the areas of networking, potential for creativity in producing multimedia versions of titles,…

Discusses several areas to be considered in planning for library automation: (1) cataloging standards; (2) MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) format; (3) database design; (4) retrospective conversion; (5) REMARC, a retrospective conversion service; (6) MiniMARC, a stand-alone cataloging support system; (7) copy-specific file conversion; and (8)…