Seven vendors express their views on the importance of standards to facilitate the linkage of in-house and external computer systems. The subjects addressed include integrated versus linked systems, national and international standards efforts, and the involvement of librarians in the development of standards. (EM)

Describes the trend toward decentralization and local, integrated systems in the library network environment. The response of the bibliographic utilities to these trends is discussed in terms of distributed processing systems, participation in the Linked Systems Project, the introduction of new and improved services, and international ventures. (1…

Explores issues relating libraries, telecommunications, the Communications Act of 1934, the Federal Communications Commission, and the common carriers. Computer networking technologies and standards are discussed and progress in library networking is compared to the development of a planned national science network. Future public policy issues…

Review of the 1991 literature on descriptive cataloging discusses objectives and foundations of cataloging; cataloging simplification; three levels of standards for record content; cataloging techniques, including authority work, provision of main entry, transliteration, formation of name headings, and automation; procedures related to record…

This study focuses on the growth of the library automation market from 1981 to 1990. It draws on library automation data published annually in the Library Journal between 1981 and 1990. The data are used to examine: (1) the overall library system market trends based on the total and cumulative number of systems installed and revenue generated; (2)…

This examination of the relationships between bibliographic utilities, online vendors, and local systems in the automated library environment, discusses library autonomy and standards, as well as customized options and quality of service offered by utilities and vendors. Suggestions are offered for maintaining relationships in a changing…

This paper reviews the progress made so far in the development and use of expert systems for library and information services in the areas of online information retrieval, including gateway software and intelligent front-ends; cataloging, including bibliographic utilities and machine-aided cataloging; abstracting; reference work; and indexing and…

Bibliographic utilities are marketing specially designed hardware and software that permit libraries to patch together automated cataloging, acquisitions, serials control, reference, online public catalogs, circulation, interlibrary loan, and administrative functions. The increasing complexity of the technology is making it more difficult to…

Two articles discuss Chinese libraries and materials: one reviews the role of bibliographic utilities in the bibliographic control of Chinese language materials in U.S. libraries, and one examines characteristics of administration in academic libraries in China from both historical perspective and current practice. (64 references) (LRW)

Three papers are compiled here for research library directors: (1) "Background: Open Systems Interconnection," in which David F. Bishop provides fundamental background information to explain the concept of the emerging technology of linked systems and open systems interconnection--i.e., an agreed upon standard set of conventions or rules…

Reviews developments in the use of computer systems in libraries in Great Britain, North America, and other countries from 1966 to date. Highlights include MARC developments, cooperative cataloging services, use of microcomputers and minicomputers, turnkey systems, and online public access catalogs; 102 references are provided. (Author/LRW)

Examines the impact of automation on the future of library technical services. The areas discussed include the functions of technical services, how those functions are changing and will be organized, and the qualifications and recruitment of future technical services staff. (85 notes with references) (CLB)

Presents a summary of the history of academic library automation, and discusses some of the technological trends which are important to the development of an electronic library. Topics discussed include public services vs. technical services; cataloging and classification; serials control; computer networks; cooperative projects, including…

The Interlibrary Cooperation Committee of the Public Library Association researched the literature to study trends in library networking over the last two decades, including increased cooperation among different types of libraries and legislation supporting this trend. Changes found are reported in two articles covering technology, governance,…

Discusses the concept of a virtual library. Current systems are described, as well as pilot projects; administrative concerns are addressed, including cooperative collection development and networking; work of the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) is discussed; and the National Research and Education Network (NREN) is described. (17…