This description of the use of IBM Series/1 minicomputers to implement a library automation system includes discussion of current functions of the system, the system configuration, communications capabilities, software, and cost factors. (CLB)

The first of two articles discusses the obstacles to and advantages of cooperative systems planning and development by a team of academic librarians and computing center staff. The second examines the differences in funding approaches to libraries and computer centers, and budgetary problems involved when the two organizations share computer…

Details the "painful" history, development, and progress of a "home-grown" library automation system at the Hartford State Technical College; describes several of the most common activities generated from menus; and looks at future prospects of the system. (Author/CLB)

With increased costs and decreased funding, it will be increasingly necessary for academic library directors to become heavily involved in fundraising, or development. Discussion includes systems development; funding sources; staffing and organization; and impacts of fundraising on the administration, staffing, and organization. (AEF)

Reference services are in the midst of evolutionary changes. At a time when budgets are shrinking, traditional models of service and print reference formats are being questioned. This article discusses future directions of academic reference collections in terms of the apparent shift from print to electronic reference sources. Questions addressed…

Various aspects of the Integrated Academic Information Management System (IAIMS) initiative sponsored by the National Library of Medicine are explored in 10 articles. An overview of the program, the technologies involved, examples of implementation, approaches to integrated information systems, and the future of the program are discussed. (CLB)

Based on telephone interviews with 12 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries, this report presents the underlying reasons for the libraries' decisions relating to the design and implementation of automated library systems. The survey results are summarized, a list of respondents is provided, and profiles of present and planned…

This report describes the development, design, and evaluation of an online circulation system at the University of Guelph, Ontario. A 1976 study identified the specific problems or inadequacies of the existing circulation system and specified design requirements for a new online system. This 1978 report is divided into six parts: (1) historical…

Describes the selection of an automated library system for 11 university cluster libraries in Wisconsin, from the decision to automate and the development of a proposal request, through the selection process itself. Appendices include a chronology of events, participants in the process, a checklist of activities, and additional suggestions.…

Describes the design and operation of a prototype online catalog; reviews research which evaluated the system in terms of types of searches and success rates; and offers suggestions for enhancing subject access, including automatic stemming, synonym tables and cross-reference lists, and relevance feedback mechanisms. (CLB)