Discussion of the need for automated library systems to provide management information to aid in decision making focuses on the automatic generation of reports. Examples of management information generated in collection development, acquisitions and serials, cataloging, online catalogs and circulation are described as well as possible uses of this…

Discusses the relative ease of obtaining library management statistics when using machine readable records and powerful software tools such as the Statistical Analysis System package. The development of such a management information system for the Cataloging in Publication division of the Library of Congress is described. (Seven notes with…

Discusses the need to reassess the objectives of online public access catalogs and how those objectives might be met before costly investments are made in electronic versions of "other data" for online catalogs. Several objectives are outlined and their feasibility in the modern telecommunications environment is examined. (two references) (CLB)

Describes the National Agricultural Library's microcomputer-based expert system, which is designed to help users obtain answers to simple reference questions. Building of the system and its linking to external programs and systems are explained, and building of a total information system is proposed. Samples of the program are provided. (CDD)