The role of the library technician and the appropriate training requirements for this position are discussed. (RAO)

Describes introduction of books on tape at Oskaloosa (Iowa) Public Library, highlighting determination of audience and use, display of recorded books, packaging of tapes, cataloging, and quality of tapes. A list of 19 production companies and six distributors noting address, telephone number, type of cassettes, and price range is included. (EJS)

Describes the DOBIS/LIBIS system and its capabilities for automated management of individual libraries and library networks. DOBIS/LIBIS is an integrated, interactive system that includes the major library functions of searching, cataloging, circulation, and acquisitions processing for a network of libraries. (Author/RAA)

The history of the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD) of the American Library Association is traced from the creation of the individual adult and reference service divisions through the merger that formed RASD. Focuses on the origin, structure, and activities of the division and on the individuals responsible for the development of RASD.…

An overview of the Ohio State Library programs and services is presented in this 1976-77 annual issue of the State Library Review, with emphasis on the value of state library services. Articles consider the State Library Board, library cooperation, special services to state agencies, technical processing by contract, federal financial support,…

Reports on an evaluation of Midland College's Health Sciences Library as a separate collection with a different classification system, with special focus on the effects of the organizational structure on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of technical processing. Concludes that the separate library is a viable, cost-effective alternative. (DMM)

Working conditions in library technical services departments can be a problem for catalogers in need of a quiet work environment. Based on a successful program for indexers at the National Agriculture Library, a proposal for an experimental telecommuting program for original cataloging at the Michigan State University Libraries was developed and…

Describes the conversion of card catalog records at William Jasper Kerr Library, Oregon State University, to an online system. Discussion covers the use of OCLC and student assistants, procedures and specifications, and problems associated with massive retrospective conversion needs and uncertain budget allocations. Eight sources are recommended.…

Discusses applications of a microcomputer in the Mountain View Elementary School Library in Colorado, noting costs and effectiveness involved in the development and use of a computerized card catalog and librarian aid with tasks such as filing, typing, ordering, and inventory. A bibliography is provided. (EJS)

Discussion of outsourcing library operations highlights two examples: (1) the Riverside County (California) library which had been outsourcing library operations to the City of Riverside, and switched to a private vendor; and (2) the Sun Microsystems Library which had operated as an outsourced library and recently decided to insource their library…

Traces origins of the Genealogical Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon), highlighting microfilm technology, equipment used, development of the 16mm camera, film processing, quality control, filming techniques, specialized microfilming, archival storage (The Granite Mountain Records Vault), the genealogical library…

Discussion of the organization of the University of British Columbia Data Library jointly operated by the University Library and Computing Center covers historical development, collections policy, composition of the collection, technical services, user services, and current issues. Six references are cited. (EJS)

Provides tips for designing effective training programs for library assistants. Discusses general points to consider; acquainting new assistants with the library; and assigning jobs that reflect assistants' interests. Suggests special projects for assistants including: arranging displays; cataloging; covering paperback and hardback books;…

Provides a brief review of the basic elements of library security and preservation programs as a background for an exploration of security/preservation issues, problems, and policies. Discusses environmental control, disaster preparedness, fire protection, storage and handling, and controlling access to collections. (AEF)

Discusses need for retrospective conversion of library catalogs in terms of user-problems related to split catalogs in various formats. Difficulties to be overcome in retrospective conversion projects (ownership of records, costs, non-Roman script languages, standards and inhospitability of MARC for variety of manuscript and pictorial material)…