Libraries are evolving into learning laboratories or "libratories"--environments where a wide variety of learning activities and projects can take place. Part project space, part design studio, part community meeting and presentation space, and part research and development lab, libraries of the future will have a new alphabet of services--the new…

Libraries today face an increasing challenge: to provide relevant information to diverse populations with differing needs while competing with Web search engines like Google. In 2009, a large group of libraries, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, joined with Innovative Interfaces as development partners to design a new type of…

Discusses Web site design and provides a listing of Web sites for library automation vendors and other related resources. Each listing consists of the site's name, a brief summary of its resources, the URL, and a picture of the opening page of the site. (LRW)

The online catalog discussed in this report extends the present microfiche union catalog development by providing online access to bibliographic records for the holdings of the University of California Libraries. The specifications for the user interface through which the library patron communicates with the online systems to locate materials are…

Describes an online design featuring circulation control, catalog access, and serial holdings that uses an incremental approach to system development. Utilizing a dedicated computer, this second of three releases pays particular attention to present and predicted computing capabilities as well as trends in library automation. (Author/RAA)

Designed to provide guidance in selecting appropriate software for library automation, information storage and retrieval, or management of bibliographic databases, this inventory describes 188 computer software packages. The information was obtained through a questionnaire survey of 600 software suppliers and developers who were asked to describe…

These bidding specifications describe requirements for a turn-key automated circulation system for the University of Oklahoma Libraries. An integrated systems approach is planned, and requirements are presented for various subsystems: acquisitions, fund accounting, reserve room, and bibliographic and serials control. Also outlined are hardware…

The IRVING Library Network provides state-of-the-art design, using a distributed packet switched network which implements parts of the Open System Interconnection Reference Model as defined by International Standards Organization. It provides gateway to other networks without disturbing local host systems and creates network language. Glossary and…

Describes ways to provide interlibrary loan (ILL) services on the Web and discusses the decisions that Ohio University's Alden Library made when creating ILL forms. Highlights include using common gateway interface (CGI) scripts; choosing commercial software products; changing user needs and expectations; technical considerations; and design…

Reviews the questions and issues which must be addressed as libraries enter an age in which the development of online catalogs for library users is becoming more feasible. Viability of online catalogs, current activities in catalog development, variables involved in catalog design, and the potential of online systems are discussed. (JL)

This sixth article in a series discusses planning for the installation and implementation of automated systems in the library, workstation design and location, scheduling of software implementation, security, data input, staff and reader training, job design, impact of automation on library procedures, evaluation of system performance, and future…

Discusses local database development and training experiences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign libraries. Topics discussed include when to automate; available resources; microcomputers versus mainframes or minicomputers; software; database design factors; test versions; and training. Examples of sample records, help screens,…

This case study describes the planning, funding, and implementation of a complete data-wiring renovation at the University of California, Santa Cruz library. Highlights include design principles; project schedule; benefits for staff's electronic mail and network use and for upgraded public terminals; and the importance of planning and…

Describes the development of the Hagerstown (Indiana) public library's Web site. Highlights include writing successful grant proposals for funding; software from Microsoft; community support; free community access to the Internet from home computers as well as at the library; problems encountered; and future plans. (LRW)

Describes an integrated online library system developed at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) which incorporates a number of database management features that enhance efficiency, for record retrieval and display. Design features related to record storage and retrieval and the design of linked files are described in detail.…