Describes LISPA (Library and Information Center Staff Planning Advisor), a set of programs based on Ranganathan's staff plan model. LISPA particularly aids in planning for library staff requirements, both professional and paraprofessional, in developing countries where automated systems for other library operations are not yet available.…

Offers 10 guidelines for librarians responsible for making decisions on whether to upgrade application software. Examines the Internet, client/server LAN (local area network) architecture, developments in contemporary stand-alone systems, and graphic user interfaces to determine their impact on the upgrading process. (AEF)

Reviews selected strategies employed in educational and training psychology that might be incorporated into library and information management software. Based on this review, a number of potentially useful features are identified, and an exploratory study of a sampling of library and information management software is conducted based on these…

Discussion of virtual reference services focuses on software that is currently available and further developments that are needed. Topics include co-browsing and collaboration capabilities; communications technology, including chat technology and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP); networked reference services; and online reference collections…

Describes the object-oriented paradigm (modeling a system by the objects that constitute it and the class relationships between objects) and presents examples of its application to automated library systems, including a model of a hierarchical and relational bibliographic database. Advantages and disadvantages of the paradigm for information…

Discussion of Internet software and its use in libraries focuses on a software evaluation program at the undergraduate library at Southern Illinois University. Highlights include staff training for information technology, availability and selection of shareware and freeware, and an evaluation form for Internet software. (LRW)

Addresses position of printed documentation in computing as it exists for use by university community. Highlights include criticisms of computer manuals, the discerning reader, form and content, trends in system design, features of good manuals, and three principles to follow when considering use or purchase of computer system. (11 references)…

Describes the development and implementation of software that provides a global change capability by allowing correction of a single heading in a large file of bibliographic records through programatic identification and replacement. Specific change processes are described, including name headings, geographic headings, and topical subject…

Describes the use of SALBIN software at Oxford University's Bodelian Library to handle Internet information resources and make them easily available to readers. Steps in setting up SALBIN software on library microcomputers are covered, including obtaining the software by file transfer protocol, obtaining information on Internet services, exploring…

Explains shareware computer programs and describes a shareware microcomputer-based workstation that was set up in the University of Idaho library to make shareware CD-ROM discs available to users. A hypertext program that was used as the user interface is described, and software problems are discussed. (two references) (LRW)

Discusses the importance of maintaining the accuracy and currency of the information in an online library catalog; examines aspects of online catalog maintenance that can be accomplished cooperatively, through networks, or automatically, by computer programs; and describes procedures followed at Washington State University that utilize the Western…

Discusses the romanization of Chinese characters in U.S. library bibliographic records; considers the advantages and disadvantages of changing from Wade-Giles romanization to pinyin; describes word division problems; proposes an alternative that uses a computer program; and considers the future possibilities of a multiscript, general purpose…

Reports planning for and the installation of about 80 microcomputers for staff use at approximately 50 library units in the University of Michigan Library System. Highlights include the selection of hardware and software; methods of staff training; integration of the microcomputers into library operations; and benefits of electronic messaging and…

Considers fundamental decisions that shaped the output products of Research Libraries Information Network. Product Batch was designed using single data definition (RMARC) combined with standard PL/I, modular programing techniques, program documentation. Choice of software and programing languages, other design aspects (accountability, count…

Describes a project in which graduate students with knowledge engineering experience used five different microcomputer-based shells to build a prototype application of an expert system to assist library patrons with business reference questions. The strengths and weaknesses of each product are discussed and compared. (seven references) (CLB)