Discusses the need to reassess the objectives of online public access catalogs and how those objectives might be met before costly investments are made in electronic versions of "other data" for online catalogs. Several objectives are outlined and their feasibility in the modern telecommunications environment is examined. (two references) (CLB)

Papers on interlibrary loans and document delivery which were presented at the 1985 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) "The Activities of the IFLA Office for International Lending" (Richard J. Bennett, British Library Lending Division, United Kingdom); (2) "Electronic Networking for…

Describes World Wide Web (WWW), a client/server system for use with electronic information. Topics discussed include HyperText Markup Language; Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS); Gopher; Uniform Resource Locator; creating a hypertext version of an electronic journal; and developing a library information system. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Describes the British Library's strategic planning preparation for probable changes in the information environment up to the year 2000 caused by technological, economic, social, and other factors. Highlights include library services; improving its user orientation; information systems strategy; digital collections; catalog access; gateway…

Describes the Network Library System, a collaborative development project undertaken by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Chicago libraries, which currently handles an online catalog and a circulation system. The conceptualization of the system, its development and performance, and subsequent changes due to available…

This set of summaries of problems and issues pertaining to the selection and implementation of automated integrated library information systems (AILS) deals with such topics as the nature of integrated library systems, the rationale for installing such systems, automated systems operations, available technology, and options for obtaining the…

Explores the qualities of bibliographic and object entities that contribute to the similarities and differences in the data describing them and the possibility of cooperation between indexers of art objects and indexers of bibliographic information. The discussion covers the role of authority control as the linking component between bibliographic…

Discusses ability of small computers to hold interface programs, to retrieve data from central source, to manipulate and present that data, and to engage in dialog with system user. An example of a feasible dialog between user and system which mediates and translates user's data into machine terms is highlighted. (EJS)

Four artificial intelligence (AI) concepts that have relevance for information retrieval systems are discussed and applied to area of authority control in automated catalogs--pattern recognition, representation, problem solving, learning. Existing automated authority control systems are analyzed using two other AI concepts, augmentation and…

Describes an information storage and retrieval system for mainframe computer applications and its utilization as a corporate library catalog intended for end-user searching. The changeover from a previous system is discussed and current system features are evaluated. (Author/CLB)

Five prominent consultants project technological advancements that, in some cases, will enhance current library systems, and in many cases will cause them to become obsolete. Major trends include advances in mainframe and microcomputing technology, development of inexpensive local area networks and telecommunications gateways, and the advent of…

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…

Presents detailed guidelines based on the literature for screen layout and design of online catalogs, and discusses the potential advantages in terms of number of transactions per hour and user satisfaction. Further research questions are suggested and an extensive bibliography is provided. (CLB)

Describes the implementation of remote public access to the online catalog at the University of Calgary and discusses the technical considerations and difficulties encountered. The resulting cooperative efforts of the library and the university computing center are outlined, and several library service related issues are raised. (CLB)

This analysis of nine myths of library automation highlights cost effectiveness, circulation control and delinquency rates, budget allocation, staff needs, technical services productivity, the online catalog, need for consultants, the MARC format, and turnkey systems. Views of the reality regarding each myth are offered. (EJS)