Discusses planning for the implementation of a high technology system which includes plans for how it will be phased out and an orderly transition made to its successor. System life expectations, user pressures, software modifications, commercial vendors, integrated systems, eroding economies, and replacement planning are highlighted. (EJS)

Suggests that catalogs of the future, as facilitated by computer technology, should take on multiple formats. Three levels of varying form and size are envisioned for the needs and uses of the librarian, the general user, and the individual user. (Author/RAA)

Discussion of the maintenance of both the software and hardware in an automated library system highlights maintenance by the vendor, contracts and costs, the maintenance log, downtime, and planning for trouble. (EJS)

Outline of basic requirements needed to outfit a small public library with microcomputers discusses necessary equipment, cost effectiveness, management information systems, statistics generated, software available, and library procedures to be automated. Fifteen references are cited. (EJS)

Preliminary description of design of electronic library and home information delivery system highlights potentials of personal computer interface program (applying for service, assuring that users are valid, checking for measures, searching, locating titles) and incorporation of concepts used in other information systems (security checks,…

Defines in general terms the nature of computers, describes the various types of computers, discusses the characteristics and applications of the types of computers mentioned, reviews some basic facts about computer technology and computer hardware, and outlines a set of options for libraries considering acquiring a computer system. (JL)

Recounts the history of the Research Libraries Group (RLG) and Stanford University's involvement in it, with an account of the problems that developed with the system, particularly several computer failures which almost spelled the end of the network. The comments of key figures in the RLG story are included. (JL)

The eight articles in this special section on microcomputer applications in libraries discuss selection of microcomputer courseware for school media collections, public and special libraries, information retrieval, and library education. References and an annotated bibliography are provided. (Request subscription information from W. Robert…