This discussion of the use of computer output microform (COM) as a feasible alternative to the library card catalog includes a brief history of library catalogs and of microform technology since World War II. It is argued that COM catalogs are to be preferred to card catalogs, online catalogs accessed by terminals, and paper printouts. Advantages…

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…