This manual provides information to help libraries in Texas considering an automation project, with special emphasis on smaller libraries. The solutions discussed are microcomputer-based. The manual begins with a discussion of how to prepare for the automation of a library, including planning, approval, collection decisions, policy, and staffing.…

This article describes and evalutes the IBM System 7 automated circulation system in use at Slippery Rock State College Library since 1973. Background information is furnished on the library and its locale as well as the general rationale and objectives for automated circulation systems. The presentation of the IBM S/7 includes (1) reasons for its…

Identifies the four basic functions of library automation as circulation systems, online catalogs, acquisitions, and serial check-in, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of integrated library systems versus linked systems in terms of these functions. (3 notes with references) (CLB)

This examination of the feasibility of implementing an automated circulation system within San Mateo County's Peninsula Library System (PLS) was undertaken to determine if the system should automate material circulation systemwide in order to reduce operating costs while improving circulation procedures and increasing patron access to system…

This report for an automated circulation control system to replace the currently used automated off-line batch system discusses the general requirements for the requested system, the equipment needed, the planned uses and design of the proposed system, its utilization, its expected benefits, its estimated costs, the alternatives considered, and…

The first of two articles discusses the similarities and differences between academic libraries and campus computing centers, and identifies the level of service libraries want from computing centers. The second addresses the advantages of automating library circulation systems, and the need to integrate those systems with other library and campus…

This four-part report describes the development of a plan for Hennepin County (Minnesota) Library's (HCL) next steps in the automation of operations including the public catalog, cataloging, circulation control, and acquisitions. The objectives of the plan were to improve patron access to materials and to provide for cost effective operations.…

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…

This report describes an online minicomputer-based system, one combining library inventory control with catalog access, that was implemented at Virginia Tech's main library in order to meet the demands of increased circulation activity and rising staff costs. Following overviews of the institutional environment, the systems development department,…

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,…

For the last 58 years, automation has helped to enhance the library system; library operations such as circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, and serials have changed significantly due to technology. Circulation control is often the first activity a library considers automating. In addition to loan transactions, an automated circulation system can…

This paper describes how librarians at the University of Oklahoma reviewed the state of the art of automated systems for libraries, evaluated current sophisticated and comprehensive programs, considered the implications of such systems for closing the card catalog, and assessed the impact which the total system would have on the university…

This feasibility study was conducted to (1) estimate the alternative costs in 1980 Canadian dollars of using four bibliographic utilities to accomplish the retrospective conversion (RECON) of eight British Columbia public libraries' manual card catalog files, (2) make recommendations as to which alternative should be selected and how it should be…

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)

At the University of Rhode Island, the goal of the Library is to meet the informational needs of a diverse clientele: students, both graduate and undergraduate; faculty; other university staff; and, as a land-grant institution serving the state of Rhode Island, the general public. This report results from 8 months of committee work that involved…