At San Diego State University, special card access terminals, attached to 32 copiers in 18 campus buildings, report each transaction to a central processor. This system controls access, bills the users by department, and provides comprehensive information on the copiers. (Author/MLF)

Demonstrates how three commercial microcomputer software packages--PC-Talk III, Wordstar, and dBase III--were combined to produce an integrated library system at the U.S. Army Concepts Analysis Agency library. The retrospective conversion process is discussed, and the four modules of the system are described: acquisitions/cataloging; online…

The adaptation of a centralized budget system to relate microcomputers to a mainframe and to distribute data to departmental users for their micros is described. (Author/MLW)

An overview of what is available in energy management systems, tips for writing specifications, and pitfalls to avoid. (MLF)

This description of the use of IBM Series/1 minicomputers to implement a library automation system includes discussion of current functions of the system, the system configuration, communications capabilities, software, and cost factors. (CLB)

Addresses some problems associated with technological change and examines the nature of data and technology, organizations, and computer-mediated work. Concepts of sociotechnical systems design are related to library automation, and a set of strategies for facilitating technological change is proposed. (29 references) (Author/CLB)

Energy management systems are designed to monitor and control energy consumption. A variety of these systems is described. (MLF)

Computer-based building management systems can cut the energy costs of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in school buildings. Administrators are advised on how to choose the best system. (MLF)

Controlling copier costs begins with an equipment inventory and a survey of administrators' needs and suggestions. (Author/MLF)

Description of the history of a statewide interlibrary loan and electronic mail telecommunications network highlights difficulties and reinforces the idea that off-the-shelf systems are preferable to in-house system development. Recommendations include: solicit expert technical advice (including review by an independent programmer); choose…

Reviews Oregon State University Communication Media Center's experiences in designing, developing, and using a computerized scheduling system to help with the center's operation. Description includes purposes for developing the system, creation of the system using a commercial database management software package, and the five menus used in the…

Describes the use of a decision support system to operate on a database for academic scheduling. Discusses the scheduling environment, database subsystem, dialog subsystem, modeling subsystem, and output formats. (JM)

Describes the advantages of the development of open systems, i.e., a configuration which combines software and hardware from separate vendors into a single system, as a means of increasing the possible applications of library automation. (CLB)

Describes a computerized database of social sciences research activities in Israel. The problems of constructing a database in a small country with special linguistic problems are covered, and the printed products and services offered are described. (Author/EM)

Outlines factors used by online vendors to decide whether to bid on RFPs (requests for proposals) for library automation systems, including specifications for software, hardware or performance requirements not met by the vendor; specifications based on competitors' systems; the size and complexity of the request itself; and vendors' time…