Though many of the functions of libraries are analogous to functions performed in the business world, public libraries have been disadvantaged by their reluctance to adopt computer technology. Though costs have previously been prohibitive and lack of uniformity in library processes has made the use of the new technology awkward, recently-developed…

Three articles address the relationship between a library and the vendor of its automated system from several points of view: library-initiated vendor abandonment, vendor-initiated abandonment, nonperforming vendor and nonfunctioning system, and changing systems. Acceptance testing and financial, personnel, and legal aspects of vendor abandonment…

This overview of the current capabilities of subject access in online public catalogs discusses keyword searching versus subject cataloging, users' views of the online catalog, and user-friendly versus user-hostile systems. Existing online catalogs in public and academic libraries are cited as examples. (EJS)

Four articles outline problems, programing, case studies, and hardware/software selection in library use of microcomputer-based electronic bulletin board systems (BBS). Highlights include the North-Pulaski (Chicago, Illinois) BBS, features of Liverpool Public Library (New York) system, and misuse of a library BBS (obscenity, bulletin board…

Papers on public libraries, which were presented at the 1983 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference, include: (1) "The Role of Public Libraries in Developing Countries with Particular Reference to the Gambia" by Sally P. C. N'Jie (The Gambia); (2) "Public Libraries in the Federal Republic of Germany…

The economic implications of new technology in public libraries include its cost, the trade-off between costs and benefits, and sources of funds. The cost of, for example, a new terminal, should be subdivided into components and activities so that library expenditures and some resultant output can be clearly identified. In addition, when…

This document includes papers on libraries serving the general public which were presented at the 1986 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference. The first paper, "Annual Reports of Sections and Round Tables of the Division of Libraries Serving the General Public" includes the following annual reports for fiscal year…

A Public Library Association (PLA) survey compiled information on public libraries in bibliographic networks. Aspects identified and measured were perceptions of participation, reasons for non-participation, reactions to services, and suggestions for increasing participation. Recommendations are made for actions by PLA and the networks to ensure…

To keep up with the tempo of the 20th century and to further its plans for service in 1980, the Natrona County Public Library initiated full time, regular use of a cable television channel in 1971. The instantaneous character of televised communication provided a stimulant for developing rapid information retrieval techniques covering broad bases…

Official opening statements, organizational reports, and papers on libraries in a technological world, which were presented at the 1983 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) welcoming addresses by Franz Georg Kaltwasser and Mathilde Berghofer-Weichner; (2) opening speeches by Else Granheim (IFLA president)…

An overview is provided of the 170 special libraries in Canada which contain collections on economics and finance. General geographic distribution is noted, and then attention is given separately to the numbers, status, and development of economic libraries in various sectors: universities and community colleges, public libraries, corporations,…

Papers on school and children's libraries which were presented at the 1982 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) "Learning to Learn in the Street," a description by B. Lang (France) of "street libraries" and other institutions designed to introduce economically disadvantaged children to…

Automated circulation systems in libraries for the blind are described in this report of research conducted by the Subcommittee on Computerised Booklending of the Round Table on Libraries for the Blind (RTLB) of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). Responses to the RTLB questionnaire from 12 libraries in 9 countries are…

Discusses current issues in measuring library effectiveness, including rapid technological changes and increasing obsolescence in librarians' competencies; increased pressure for accountability; tools to help libraries become what they determine they should be rather than conforming to national standards; and how to determine the validity and…

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…