This article offers a working definition and general comments on the purchasing of library turnkey systems (package including hardware and software required to accomplish a clearly defined task). Turnkey versus customized, selecting a turnkey system, request for proposal, contracting with vendors, and post installation evaluation are discussed.…

Discussion of information and misinformation about integrated online library systems highlights capabilities and functions that should be offered by an integrated system, practicalities of purchasing a system, visions versus reality, library versus information automation, origins of integrated online systems in the 1960s and 1970s, and future…

This symposium on printed documentation covers (1) Tacoma Public Library's documentation (Lare Mischo); (2) characteristics of bad documentation (Linda Bills); (3) GEAC manuals (Joe Matthews); (4) Personal Bibliographic Software manuals (Victor Rosenberg); (5) DIALOG documentation (Barbara E. Anderson); (6) documentation problems and improvements…

Discusses the long-term value of bibliographic records to the library and the cost and service implications of that value. Topics covered include records in the public domain; sources of machine-readable bibliographic records (bibliographic utilities, state and multistate networks, commercial vendors, federal agencies, libraries); rights and…

Presents a summary of the status of library automation in the late 1970s including the major problems facing libraries as they move to computer-based systems. The developments of the 1980s are also discussed. (Author/MBR)

Discusses comments made in a previous column relating to reference librarians and online reference services. Topics include the inaccuracy of traditional reference services; the alleged decline in library reference activity; misunderstanding reference librarians; and perceiving Ask Jeeves as a useful alternative model to reference services. (LRW)

Seven vendors express their views on the importance of standards to facilitate the linkage of in-house and external computer systems. The subjects addressed include integrated versus linked systems, national and international standards efforts, and the involvement of librarians in the development of standards. (EM)

This discussion of microcomputers notes applications in libraries; the impact of microcomputers in the home, library, or office; and ways to combat static electricity in the work area. (EJS)

Discusses management needs for timely, appropriate, and comprehensive library acquisitions information, noting that the requirement for summary and exception reporting mandates online automated acquisition systems. (Author/FM)

Identifies various facets of the use of consultants in library automation, including kinds of consultants, their roles, contexts in which they may be used, functional areas in which their values may differ, and equipment alternatives. A bibliography is provided. (FM)

Examines the potential benefits and problems for libraries using a fully automated short record circulation system, one that consists of a number designating the item, enough bibliographic information to identify it, information on its location, and information on the borrower. (FM)

This outline of new technological developments and their applications in the library and information world considers innovations in three areas: automation, telecommunications, and the publishing industry. There is mention of the growth of online systems, minicomputers, microcomputers, and word processing; the falling costs of automation; the…

Discusses the benefits and disadvantages for library uses of stand-alone and integrated computer systems, multi-user and single-user systems, local area networks versus shared logic systems, and the Macintosh Library System which combines features of both. (EM)

This paper describes methods used for maintenance of bibliographic records in online catalogs and compares them with maintenance in the conventional card catalog: addition of bibliographic records, identification and correction of errors, application of authority control, addition of information to records, and withdrawal of records from catalog.…

Addresses the dilemma faced by libraries as the success of public online access catalogs results in an increasing budget obligation over which the library has no control if it is to continue to provide the service. Issues discussed include budget transfers, budget increases, subsidies, and user fees. (EJS)