Describes the Tacoma Public Library's experience with "BIP Plus," the CD-ROM version of Books in Print. Memory requirements, search capabilities, automatic ordering, and the library staff's response are discussed. Keyword searching is explained as the system's most used feature, and price the area of most serious concern. (EM)

Describes the Utlas database with specific reference to its design, file structure, and content. Features discussed include access to the database, products and services supported by the database, interfaces to local systems, the interactions between bibliographic and authority records, and Japanese language processing. (Author/CLB)

Describes current features of the Research Libraries Information Network and ongoing research to enhance the system. Features discussed include access to the central bibliographic database, authority control, nonroman character set support, special databases for search only use, thesauri, videodisk interfaces, and file clustering. (CLB)

Provides an interview with K. Wayne Smith, chief executive officer of OCLC, that focuses on OCLC's online reference services. Topics include the ratio between technical and online reference services, how OCLC fits into the online industry, telecommunications, electronic publishing, pricing, database tape leases, and CD-ROM. (EAM)

Reviews the use of artificial intelligence research techniques to create tools that can assist with ongoing library functions and with information skills both within and outside of the library setting. Major areas discussed include cataloging, indexing, database searching, reference services, knowledge acquisition and representation, user…

The Bibliographic Service Development Program of the Council on Library Resources convened a meeting of experts in March 1984 to consider the advisability of applying standards in the development and operation of online public access catalog systems in libraries. Following presentations from three invited participants, working groups were formed…

Discusses advantages of tying together library book and journal collections in one online database. The division between the access tools of public and technical services is described and discussed in terms of the use of bibliographic utilities and search services, and some future consequences of full-collection access tools are described. (EM)

This detailed description of a fully integrated, turnkey library system includes a complete profile of the system (functions, operational characteristics, hardware, operating system, minimum memory and pricing); history of the technologies involved; and descriptions of customer services and availability. (CLB)

Describes the services and programs offered by the library at The Bronx High School of Science. Topics discussed include the library collection; a basic library skills mini-course for freshmen and incoming sophomores; current uses of the library's computer system; and plans to automate the library's card catalog and circulation records.…

Four articles discuss pre-order and pre-cataloging searching in libraries that have implemented the Northwestern Online Total Integrated System (NOTIS). The discussions cover the impact of integration on the workflow and organization of library technical services departments. (CLB)

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) kit is based partially on the results of a fall, 1984 survey of the 117 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members to determine the extent to which they have reorganized staff and the role played by automation in planning organizational change. Particular attention was paid to the integration…

Describes the planning and implementation of a library automation system which encompasses four campus locations of a community college, and includes automation of technical processes and full access to holdings and circulation records of all the libraries involved. Software and hardware considerations are discussed, and guidelines to automation…

Presents overview of library classification and automation (1940-84), including use of Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classification in online cataloging systems. Highlights include classification number access in existing online catalogs, functions of classification records, specifications for authority file records, and the nature of…

Three articles discuss the second online library system at the University of Hawaii at Manoa--the CARL (Colorado Alliance for Research Libraries) System. Topics addressed include an overview of the system; development of a Windows-based CARL cataloging workstation; and incorporating digitized images in the online public access catalog. (EA)

Traditional library tasks, for example database searching, are increasingly performed by library users, forcing both the librarian and the user to assume at times dichotomous roles of teacher and student. Modern librarians install new software and guide organizations in multimedia applications. Librarians need to be cognizant of the human factor,…