This essay lists elements of a public service microcomputer project--needs, clientele or population, skill level, type of service, type of equipment, site or location--and identifies a number of options under each heading. Examples illustrating how librarians can use the model in planning a service are noted. (EJS)

Explores use of interactive videodisc, which combines videotape in disc format, with its various video and audio information, and the computer, either as part of disc player or external interface. Examples of a variety of industrial/educational applications are cited: Library of Congress, inventory, physician instruction, University of Iowa. (8…

Responses to librarians' questions about library microcomputers cover simple applications to be used by staff with little experience, minimizing risk factor, choosing a microcomputer, hardware obsolescence, uses of mainframes and minicomputers, capacity planning for microcomputers, security of library's data, copyrighted software, and future use…

Discusses the need to impose a rigidly controlled structure on the machine-readable catalog, the machine capabilities and limitations for achieving that control, possibilities for machine control of the catalog, and the extension of those possibilities to permit a degree of control not possible in a manual system. (Author/LS)

In a summer experiment, the Graduate Library School at Indiana University lent three terminals to 23 users 143 times. (Author/PF)

Discussion of problem of paper deterioration in books highlights developments in paper industry, acidic and alkaline paper, demand for book paper by publishing industry, library material conservation, and preservation activities in three areas--deacidification (use of alkaline chemicals to neutralize acidic paper), microfilming, and…

This article describes machines of the near future that will enable the book to be transmitted via computer. Discussion covers television screens, the use of liquid crystal displays, printers and paper, on-demand printing, computerization of basic reference books, use of optical discs for preservation, and creating one's own fictional characters.…

This essay addresses access to information through the use of computer networking systems. Highlights include national commercial networks, bulletin board systems, cautionary notes on networking, the role of the public library in providing a link between the computer and the public, and maximizing access and efficiency through library services.…

This discussion of the effects of computer technology on the services of research libraries includes descriptions of four information technology services that could replace more expensive traditional services. The efforts of the Research Libraries Group to reshape information services for their scholars is also described. (CHC)

This article discusses similarities between the local bulletin board system (BBS) and the public library. Highlights include components of the small BBS (system operator, host computer, "messaging" software, auto-answer device, connection to one or more phone lines); uploading and downloading; notes from the board; and the role of the…

The effect of new computer technology on the practice of collection development in libraries is reviewed, noting the use of computers and applications of management information systems to manage collections, automated acquisition systems, online abstracts and indexes, videodisc technology, and electronic publishing. Three footnotes are given. (EJS)

Describes the operations of Winthrop College Library, Rock Hill, South Carolina, to illustrate the impact of the Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET) on southeastern libraries. The effect of automation on staff requirements of the technical and public services divisions is highlighted. (EJS)

Eight articles serve as an introduction to the growing presence of technology in libraries. Topics covered include going online with microcomputers, a selection guide to database management software, sensible groundrules for circulating software, selection of software for microcomputer centers, and setting standards for microcomputers in…

This article defines three separate categories of microcomputers--personal, desk-top, multi-user devices--and relates storage capabilities (expandability, floppy disks) to library applications. Highlghts include de facto standards, operating systems, database management systems, applications software, circulation control systems, dumb and…