Addresses the question of whether to input a new record or to adapt an existing one when cataloging a variant edition of a work using the OCLC system. Specific attention is paid to issues of cost and interlibrary loan service in the OCLC environment. A six-item reference list is attached. (Author/JL)

Cost analysis of an automated network system and a manual system of cataloging and book processing indicates a 20 percent savings using automation. Per unit costs based on the average monthly automation rate are used for comparison. Higher manual system costs are attributed to staff costs. (RAA)

This report examines the costs of and services provided by the three major bibliographic utilities, OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), RLIN (Research Libraries Information Network), and WLN (Western Library Network). The services examined include acquisitions, cataloging, interlibrary loan, and reference. To examine costs, the format of the…

Compares the effectiveness of five online systems in facilitating interlibrary services. The OCLC Interlibrary Loan (ILL) subsystem, the Research Libraries Group (RLG) Message System, the University of Toronto Library Automation System (UTLAS), and two others are evaluated with respect to the request verification, location, request transmission,…

A study commissioned by the Milwaukee Federated Library System identified problems and proposed organizational strategies towards their solution. A manifest problem with research and reference service cost allocations led to Milwaukee County's withholding of funds, while latent problems were identified in the interlibrary book circulation system.…

Examines implications of new technology for libraries. Discusses ways libraries interface with new home and business information services and information formats. Highlights include CD-ROMs, the Internet, library networks, technological development, electronic image delivery, costs and funding, and equipment. (AEF)

Examines vendors' views on the future of CD-ROM technology. Topics include the library role, single point access, costs, tape backup, user-friendly library automation systems and databases, improved quality, the growth of Internet access, and perspectives on technology in schools. (AEF)

Cost estimates provided by cataloging vendors during January 1981 are analyzed to identify the costs of catalog conversion options and alternatives to the card catalog for six Minnesota regional library systems. Following an executive summary of the study is a discussion of its background, scope, objectives, data gathering methodology, and…

A study was conducted to determine if the centralization of braille operations for the national free library program would be feasible, economical, and desirable. This report presents the findings of the study in three sections. Section 1 provides background information, a summary of the first phase of operations, and the study objective for phase…

Describes the Basic Health Sciences Library Network (BHSL), a multistate interlibrary loan network that operates without direct charges to its 460 member libraries or federal or state funding. Loan activity for 1992 resulted in collective savings of $592,672. The BHSL model can be applied to any group using a common locator tool. (Contains 17…

Addresses the inadequacies of traditional methods of library financing and proposes a strategy to be implemented in an environment supported by automation and networks. Publisher pricing of data rather than publications, options for charging library users with debit cards, and the role of regional library networks are discussed. (EAM)