Compares pricing of seven CD-ROM-based public access catalog systems for libraries of diverse sizes and groupings. Other features of the systems are outlined in the broad areas of database preparation, indexing, database updates, hardware, information retrieval, library controlled elements, interlibrary loan, reports, user support, future…

Reports the results of a survey of OCLC member libraries that queried their ownership and use of microcomputers, CD-ROMs, and FAX machines. The findings discussed include general uses of microcomputers, the top 10 CD-ROM products, brands of CD-ROM drives used, patron access to CD-ROM, future purchase plans for CD-ROM products, and ownership of FAX…

Reports on an informal survey of plans, practices, and strategies in relation to optical reference tools at several research libraries. The discussion focuses on start-up and continued funding, hidden costs, cost savings options, and future costs. (5 references) (MES)

Compares database characteristics, access, display, editing, new records, hard copy products, hardware, and price of CD-ROM catalog production products from seven vendors: Gaylord Information Systems; General Research Corporation; The Library Corporation; OCLC; Solinet; Utlas; and the Western Library Network. (MES)

Describes a project that experimented with using a NeXT computer as a cataloger's workstation. The use of Digital Librarian software to access the text of "Anglo-American Cataloging Rules" (AACR) on magneto-optical disk is discussed, and suggestions for future developments are made. (four references) (LRW)

Examines materials about laserdisks in literature published between 1970 and 1989 that addresses library applications. Searches on ERIC, Information Science Abstracts, Library and Information Science Abstracts, and Library Literature are reviewed; core laserdisk journals are discussed; indexing overlap is examined; and other online databases are…

This kit is based on 73 responses to a survey conducted by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Office of Management Services to obtain information on the management of CD-ROM database installations in ARL libraries. The survey sought information in the areas of CD-ROM funding, instruction and publicity, organization, equipment, security,…

Describes a study that examined four sources of LC-MARC cataloging records (a CD-ROM version available through Bibliofile, an online version from DIALOG, and two bibliographic utilities, OCLC and the Research Libraries Information Network) to determine the extent to which exact and/or helpful cataloging is present in each. (two references) (CLB)

This symposium explored the effects of computers and modern technologies on library automation and cooperation. The following presentations are included in this collection: (1) "Economic Squeeze and Technological Challenge--Swedish Library Automation, 1987-90" (Svante Hallgren); (2) "A European Bibliographic Database Centre" (Bernard Gallivan);…

Concludes from a review of 52 journal articles published in 1988 that periodic literature searches in circulation control are useful for identifying major trends, issues, and areas needing more serious study, and provide a basis for prediction. The issues discussed in the 1988 literature are summarized and areas for future study are suggested.…

Presents highlights of research that used industrywide surveys, focus groups, personal interviews, and industry-published data to explore the future of electronic information delivery in libraries. Topics discussed include CD-ROMs; prices; full-text products; magnetic tape leasing; engineering and technical literature; connections between online…

This report presents the results of a study whose purpose was to determine what automation is present in the library media centers in Georgia secondary schools and how it has been funded. A three-part questionnaire was sent to the media specialists in 50% of the secondary schools in Georgia, which were randomly selected. The analysis of the…

This paper provides a brief comparative summary of the results of U.S. and European studies on the use of CD-ROM and other optical products in all types of libraries and information centers. In 1987 and 1988, questionnaires were distributed to academic, public, and special libraries in the United States and to libraries in 18 European countries:…

This study explored recent developments related to the application of telecommunications technology in academic and research libraries. The study focused on 4 topics and 10 libraries exemplifying the topics that were selected for case study. The topics and case study libraries are: (1) local area networks--Cornell University and the University of…

Discusses issues that must be addressed to determine if a library's cataloging needs are best met with an online system, an optical data disk system, or some combination of the two. The experiences of academic and public libraries in Nevada are used to illustrate issues related to vendors, databases, and system features. (10 references) (CLB)