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.…

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…

Discusses the advantages of parallel processor computers in terms of expandibility, cost, performance and reliability, and suggests that such computers be used in library automation systems as a cost effective approach to planning for the growth of information services and computer applications. (CLB)

Issues related to library online systems are discussed in six articles. Topics covered include staff education through vendor demonstrations, evaluation of online public access catalogs, the impact of integrated online systems on cataloging operations, the merits of smart and dumb barcodes, and points to consider in planning for the next online…

Undertaken at the request of the Ad Hoc Statewide Automation Committee, this report provides a common understanding for Maine librarians of current library networking and how it might apply to Maine. The current status of Maine libraries and their cooperative and automation activities is summarized; resource-sharing in other states is examined;…

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…

Designed as a supplement to the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Libraries' review of their current situation, this report presents an assessment of administrative support and staffing of the libraries in the LACCD, and offers recommendations for maintaining and improving their operations. Following introductory comments on the…

This comparative study of three major online bibliographic systems is designed to provide assistance to library administrators in the assessment of the potential impact of such systems upon the operations of their libraries. A side by side arrangement of the text allows an overview of any specific characteristic under consideration. These…

This report was prepared by an internal strategic planning committee of the James White Library at Andrews University, whose primary responsibility is to support instructional, service, and research programs through the acquisition, organization, maintenance, and availability of appropriate library resources. The report serves three purposes: (1)…

This report discusses the scope for and feasibility of introducing automated systems into the Botswana National Library Service (BNLS). The study was undertaken at the request of BNLS and was conducted by an outside consultant who interviewed staff, read internal documents and reports, and studied patterns of work. Topics of the report include:…

This technical report presents recommendations and plans which are the result of a mission undertaken as part of a project to promote a scientific and technological information service and establish a popular science resource center in Korea. The mission's main emphasis was to help Korean authorities and the United Nations Development Programme…

The Ad Hoc Committee on Future Information Services explored possible future directions for information services at Texas A&M University Library and developed a plan to guide the library into the next decade in terms of automated access to information. In exploring future directions for automated information services, the committee members…

Describes use of computer software to improve staff preparedness for emergencies that may strike the library. Highlights include the Emergency Information System (EIS), which uses integrated emergency management databases with computer graphic maps of the surrounding area and floor plans of the library. Non-emergency applications of the software…

The Library of Congress asked the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (CSTB) of the National Academies to conduct a study to provide strategic advice concerning the information technology path that the Library of Congress should traverse over the coming decade. The Committee on an Information Technology Strategy for the Library of…

Shows how a successful bibliographic instruction program can be achieved through the interrelationship of program support, facilities, and growth by examining how the librarians at Brigham Young University (Utah) developed a proposal for, helped design, and obtained funding for a new bibliographic instruction facility. (Contains seven references.)…