Describes preparations involved in writing the 115-page "Request for Proposal for the Acquisition, Installation, and Maintenance of an On-Line Integrated Library System for the Genesee District Library" (Flint, Michigan). Preliminary investigations, American Library Association annual conference input, the Automation Task Force,…

Describes the challenge to libraries involved in the development of online catalogs, discusses the revolutionary importance to librarianship of the online catalog, outlines the role of effective planning in implementing online catalogs, and projects some changes that will occur in libraries because of them. (JL)

This review of the process of retrospective conversion (recon)--conversion of existing bibliographic records into machine-readable form--notes options and services (bibliographic utilities, commercial vendors); new technologies (microcomputer and optical-disc-based systems); collaboration and a coordinated recon strategy; cooperative efforts; and…

Describes resource sharing system in Illinois academic libraries that allows patrons to borrow materials from other libraries through user-friendly interlibrary loan commands on IBM personal computer terminals. Highlights include experiences at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IBM personal computers as terminals, and increase in…

This set of summaries of problems and issues pertaining to the selection and implementation of automated integrated library information systems (AILS) deals with such topics as the nature of integrated library systems, the rationale for installing such systems, automated systems operations, available technology, and options for obtaining the…

Predicts that library cooperation, in its developed form, will involve state or regional electronic libraries having the following minimum components: (1) a short record automated system which will record the holdings of each member library, (2) an efficient document delivery system, and (3) a complete bibliographic system. (LLS)

Recounts the history of the Research Libraries Group (RLG) and Stanford University's involvement in it, with an account of the problems that developed with the system, particularly several computer failures which almost spelled the end of the network. The comments of key figures in the RLG story are included. (JL)

Describes Linked Systems Project (LSP), which is designed to connect three large bibliographic networks in an "open" manner without changing the systems. "Open systems," standards, advantages of linking systems, interchange of authority data, Library of Congress Name Authority Cooperative Project, record transfer and…

Argues that libraries will become extinct in the future if they do not take on a more active role in serving the information needs of patrons, and advocates the development of expertise at switching centers for electronic information. Seven references are listed. (LLS)

This discussion of methods for selecting an integrated, public-access library system highlights the traditional idealized selection model; participation by the library director, consultant, task force, committees, and vendors; fads and cost figures; selection of the wrong system; and suggestions for an informal approach to purchasing. Five sources…

Briefly summarizes the results of a recent American Library Association (ALA) study on "Financing Online Search Services in Publicly Supported Libraries." The background of the survey, the general patterns revealed by responses concerning the kinds of fees charged to users, and the availability of the complete study are included. (JL)

The developments over the past decade in the use of on-line systems by libraries are recounted. Cost is discussed as an initial deterrent, and then as a catalyst for change. (MBR)

A laserdisc periodical index (InfoTrac) that offers relatively sophisticated search capabilities without librarian assistance or user training is now popular college library research tool. The index database consists of more than half million references to articles and reviews published since 1982 in 1,000 general interest, business, and technical…

Describes three ways in which libraries use computers to enhance reference services: "Answers," the community information and referral service at Memorial Hall Library, Andover, Massachusetts; the Hot Topics File at State University of New York/Oswego, Penfield Library; and features of RLIN and WLN databases which make them valuable…

Highlights the changes in bibliographic processing that have taken place over the past decade with increased automation and on-line systems, and cooperation between libraries. (MBR)