Comparison of conventional book stacks, moving aisle book stacks, and industrial storage techniques shows that the industrial technique is the least expensive to build, maintain, and operate. Characteristics of automated storage and retrieval systems are discussed, and formulas for calculating the size and costs of a library system are presented.…

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…

Analyzes the skills required of systems librarians as indicated by job advertisements. Three broad responsibilities are identified: planning, installation and implementation, and maintenance. It is concluded that lack of understanding of how computers function as tools in libraries has impeded a clear definition of the duties of systems…

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…

This examination of the acquisitions services offered by networks, the not-for-profit bibliographic services, stresses significant characteristics inherent in their structure and functions, and contrasts advantages and disadvantages for individual libraries. (Author/RAA)

Discusses the state of library automation and the benefits and dilemmas of available operating systems. Presents an overview of six vendors selling online library systems (Ameritech, Endeavor, Data Research Associates, Sirsi, Innovative Interfaces, and Ex Libris). Provides sales figures based on the "Library Journal" articles published during the…

Computer/automated catalogs have been in use in secondary schools for some time and have numerous advantages. A public access catalog (PAC) allows networking with other libraries, use of the Boolean search function, and the retrieval of bibliographic citations from a variety of access points. Moreover, PAC's have recently become more user…

This report addresses the critical importance of measuring and evaluating information systems functioning within computer network environments. The focus is on the significant benefits associated with using automated monitoring as the primary information system measurement mechanism within such computing architectures. The large scale,…

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 collection of materials on small computer applications in research libraries, assembled by the Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), includes documents from ARL and non-ARL libraries illustrating local, commercial, and word processing computer applications. Among the contents of the…

This task force report outlines a five-year strategic plan for the Indiana State University Library. The plan discusses expected changes and provides recommendations as to how to best meet new needs in eight areas: (1) the environment, including financial support, use of library resources, and changes in the composition of the user group; (2) user…

This study recommends a variety of actions to create and maintain a Montana union catalog (MONCAT) for more effective usage of in-state resources and library funds. Specifically, it advocates (1) merger of existing COM, machine readable bibliographic records, and OCLC tapes into a single microform catalog; (2) acceptance of only machine readable…

Librarians at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) offer CD-ROM database and online catalog training using a portable unit composed of a laptop computer, modem, LCD panel, and overhead projector. This unit allows librarians to make presentations to large groups and to demonstrate to faculty and students the relevancy of library technology.…

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…