Computers have had a tremendous impact on library services as automation has affected every aspect of library activity. Automated systems may be viewed as either internal, intermediate, or external, and different factors must be considered in planning for various types of systems. Internal systems, which are used only by library personnel, handle…

The traditional manually-controlled circulation records of the Burroughs Corporation Library in Goleta, California, presented problems of inaccuracies, time time-consuming searches, and lack of use statistics. An automated system with the capacity to do file maintenance and statistical record-keeping was implemented on a Burroughts B1700 computer.…

When assessing the possible impact of library technical processes on library space utilization in the future, it should be taken into account that the role of libraries as book and document depositories is being replaced by the emerging role of information delivery systems. Miniaturization and new technology may decrease space needs, but in most…

Written when an in-house retrospective conversion project on the monographs collection of an academic library was 80% complete, this paper presents factors for consideration by decision-makers prior to establishing a similar project. Topics considered together with a description of how North Carolina State University (NCSU) handled each, include:…

Many problems in developing biomedical library services for the emerging nations of Southeast Asia remain amenable only to legislation; however, IFLA seems particularly well situated to assist in these tasks. Of the numerous political and technical problems to be overcome, first and foremost are the difficulties involved in the simple transmission…

More effective use of diminishing resources was needed to provide the best possible services at the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada) library. This required the improved decision-making processes of a Library Management Information System (LMIS) to provide systematic information analysis. An information flow model was created, and an…

This paper discusses the development of library cooperation and the centralization of library services in East Africa (i.e., Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda). Included are descriptions of interlibrary lending arrangements, the role of library associations, the education of professional librarians and the training of library paraprofessionals,…

Quality in library technical services is explored in light of changes produced by automation. Highlights include a definition of quality; new opportunities and shifting priorities; cataloging (fullness of records, heading consistency, accountability, local standards, automated checking); need for new skills (management, staff); and boons of…

This paper describes some basic architectural choices for the access to and preservation of digital objects at the National Library of Norway. A digital repository is a core element for the handling of both access to and preservation of the digital objects. Strategies for giving access to the complete holdings include the use of a powerful search…

The 10 papers included in this volume consider how professional roles and responsibilities have been and are being affected by technological change and what competencies are important in filling these roles. In addition, approaches to training and education to develop competencies--which are defined as knowledge, skills, and/or attitudes--are…

Given in narrative, tables, and diagrams are the average space requirements for assigned areas, technical equipment, and communication areas which constitute the net area of a research library. The assigned area of a research library consists of storage space for collections, space for readers, space for information and circulation services, staff…

A report of the current state of librarianship in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) presents a brief history as well as an overview of the prerequisites of and organizations concerned with library research, and the objectives, methods, and results of intermediary but important research projects. Although the practice of library research is new…

The computer design of the system serving the 53 library systems of the Washington Library Network provides nine online files through its integrated bibliographic and acquisitions subsystems. The bibliographic subsystem provides an authority file of author, title, series, and subject headings; a bibliographic file of MARC records on books, films,…

This paper describes the foreign and home literature collection on scientific research, natural sciences and technology, conference papers, and professional monographs; reference aids and catalogs; library reading facilities; and national and international library services of the National Public Library for Sciences and Technology (NPLST) in the…

Summarizes problems posed by bibliographic control of large microform collections, and outlines five means of control--catalog items from scratch; obtain records from bibliographic utilities; use cataloging provided by micropublishers; provide in-house guides to collections; participate in cooperative cataloging project. Controversy over…