Identifies the ability and potential for networking among libraries using the packaged "circulation systems" of various vendors. Cooperation and involvement of system vendors, librarians, bibliographic networks, and service bureaus are needed to ensure maximum benefit from these systems. (CWM)

Examines arguments now being presented in support of public library networking and resource sharing and suggests ways to obtain harder evidence that might serve to legitimize these beliefs: estimate benefits, build in evaluation, support estimates of benefits, seek cheaper alternatives for accomplishing same goal, consider alternatives to…

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 the purpose of mathematical models and reviews the phases of the modeling process--defining performance, representing the problem, predicting performance, estimating parameters, defining optimization criterion, determining solution, and implementing results. Reviews of book-use, resource allocation, and library network models are…

Describes the Library Computer System, an online circulation system used in 22 Illinois libraries, that features complete holdings and circulation status information for serials and monographs. Problems in the network environment, plans for modification, and reasons why the system works are identified. References and two additional readings are…

In comparing methods of allocating service transaction costs among member libraries of interlibrary systems, questions of how costs are to be estimated, and what cost elements are to be included are critical. Different approaches of estimation yield varying results. Actual distribution of units accounts for greatest variance in allocations. (CDD)

This 62-item bibliography lists library journal articles published in the 1980s which provide an overview of what is happening in the world of bibliographic utilities, i.e., organizations that maintain large online bibliographic databases and provide products and services related to these bases and to its members. Subdivision within bibliography…

Northwestern University Library's locally developed automated support system, NOTIS, operational since 1970-71, is described in terms of its technical services aspects. Internal applications and relevance to projected national networking developments are considered. (Author)

Background information about Peninsula Library Automated Network member libraries and description of the circulation system of choice include basic components of this cooperative effort: Joint Powers Agreement and organizational structure; jurisdiction responsibilities and financial planning; database and policy areas requiring joint decision;…

Describes the development of telephone communications links between automated circulation systems in six public library systems in the state of Maryland, and discusses the implications of such links for interlibrary loan programs. (JL)

Describes a system of external depository libraries that receive, control, and circulate a varied and changing collection of course related materials for the off campus student. Laurentian University serves 3,000 part-time students enrolled in 70 courses at 15 outside centers spread across an area 400 miles in diameter. (RAA)

This second article in a series discusses the implementation and use of BASIS, a software management system developed and distributed by Batelle, for a database consisting of bibliographic book records and circulating book records. Field names and their content, creation and entry of a record, and sample records are included. (EJS)

Discusses implementation of online Library Circulation System (later known as Library Computer System) at University of Illinois which links campus libraries and provides circulation information to numerous public libraries. Conversion of shelflist into machine-readable form in house and by vendor, input problems, proofreading, vendor…

Discussion of the importance of adhering to standards in the library community focuses on standards related to linking systems, such as bibliographic utilities and circulation systems, and online catalogs. Three areas in particular are highlighted: (1) communications standards; (2) data format standards; and (3) user interface and indexing…

This essay defines traditional library technical services (acquisition, cataloging, processing, circulation control) and addresses questions concerning impact of automation on future of these services in following areas: professional and paraprofessional staff, reorganization, relationship between technical services and other areas of library,…