Throughout the history of library automation, the author has seen a steady advancement toward more open systems. In the early days of library automation, when proprietary systems dominated, the need for standards was paramount since other means of inter-operability and data exchange weren't possible. Today's focus on Application Programming…

Discusses cabling that is needed in local area networks (LANs). Types of cables that may be selected are described, including twisted pair, coaxial cables (or ethernet), and fiber optics; network topologies, the manner in which the cables are laid out, are considered; and cable installation issues are discussed. (LRW)

Four papers discuss: (1) advantages and disadvantages of uniform serial titles; (2) corporate names as qualifiers in uniform titles; (3) earliest entry cataloging of serials; and (4) latest entry cataloging in an automated environment. (MES)

Efforts of the Technical Standards for Library Automation Committee (TESLA), a division-wide committee of the Library Information and Technology Association (LITA) of the American Library Association, are described. The current status of suggested technical standards and recommended action are detailed. Five sources are given. (Author/EJS)

Introduces four articles on the development of information retrieval standards by people closely involved in the process. Standards organizations are described, addresses are given, and information sources are listed. (five references) (EA)

Examines the function of an authority file and the application of authority control to microcomputer-based library databases. Capabilities of relational database management systems which allow for an authority control system on the microcomputer level are noted. (10 references) (MES)

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…

Describes automated storage and retrieval (AS/R) techniques and discusses benefits, conservation considerations, and costs of the AS/R approach to the storage of library books. Thirteen annotated references are listed. (MES)

The first of two articles on the current state of relations between librarianship and new technologies describes recent events that signal an apparent drift toward a traditional vision of librarianship, and away from any emphasis on information technologies. (CLB)

Reviews internal and external dimensions of library environment that must be taken into account by library managers when choosing an integrated library system. The selection, acquisition, and implementation stages of Maggie III--a computerized library system sensitive to the internal and external organizational environment--are described. (MBR)

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)

Three papers discuss: (1) development of the CONSER (Conservation of Serials) Editing Guide; (2) original input of serials into OCLC by the Iowa State University Library; and (3) description of the use of RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network) for serials cataloging with references to uses at the University of Iowa. (MES)

Demonstrates the ways in which multiuser and multitasking microcomputer systems can be used for the automation of small- to medium-sized library operations. The possibilities afforded by the IBM-PC AT microcomputer are discussed and a sample configuration with estimated cost projections is provided. (EM)

Overview of recent developments in field of telecommunications, especially newer transmission media and equipment, highlights new information services and systems (telebanking, teleshopping, videotex); opportunities for libraries (storing material, information generation, provision of equipment, library management); reasons for adopting new…

Eight articles deal with library networking issues: (1) the library role; (2) development of a real computer network; (3) attitudes toward networks; (4) the emergence of local systems; (5) the Western Library Network; (6) the Cooperative Library Agency for Systems and Services; (7) the future of OCLC; and (8) building a unified information…