Traces the development of the concept of a Mini-MARC format, enumerates the objectives that the Mini-MARC format satisfies, and describes the MINIMARC system, an automated cataloging software package. (Author)

The Canadian Library Association submits a brief to the Canadian legislature. History, purpose, and status of government publications and their catalogs and distribution are discussed. Recommendations are provided for an improved government publications program. (LS)

The National Library initiated a study of Canadiana to identify problems, suggest solutions, and plot future directions for national bibliographic services. Proposed services include magnetic tape, COM (computer output microfiche), and print. Problems dealt with include comprehensiveness of coverage, adherence to international standards, full…

Describes the efforts of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) towards a national information and distribution system for audiovisual materials. NFB has prepared a catalog of 16mm NFB films and an educator's guide to filmstrips and is presently preparing a thematic listing of films on energy, environment, and conservation. (RAA)

Describes the planning process for designing a new library for Algoma University College (Ontario). Topics discussed include the building committee, library policy, design considerations, an electric system that supports computer technology, library automation, the online public access catalog (OPAC), furnishings and interior environment, and…

Examines studies relating to two aspects of children's use of electronic information media: (1) access to print information through online (or card) catalogs and databases; and (2) direct access to information in electronic format. Gender differences are discussed, and implications of the studies for software development and equality of computer…

This discussion of the major issues concerning online public access library catalogs highlights types of systems, user behavior, structure of systems and user-friendly information retrieval methods (menus, fuzzy matches, prompters), and additional search strategy features (limits, browsing, truncation). Three references are listed. (EJS)

Discussion of resistance to technological changes in libraries focuses on a study conducted at Algoma University College (Canada) to determine library users' reactions to the online catalog. The coexistence of traditional card catalogs and online catalogs is discussed, and the importance of the role public service staff play is emphasized. (nine…

Discusses a formula for determining number of microfiche readers needed in public libraries based on a Los Angeles County Public Library study weighing library size, user population, and information disseminating activity. Data on number of microfiche readers available to public in randomly selected Canadian public libraries are presented.…

Orr's schema for measuring the quality and value of libraries is described and discussed with respect to three paradoxes--the evaluation of catalogs, optimal library size, and Lenin's view of public libraries in the U.S. Seven references are cited. (CHC)

Describes experiences of the Cranbrook Public Library (British Columbia) in implementation of an automated circulation system. Background of the library and need for the system, stages of development, use of community volunteers, retrospective conversion, functions of the menu-driven system, benefits from the system, software, and system costs are…

Discussion of growth trends involving use of new technology in the library (mainly computers and their devices) outlines recent advances in Canada, discusses current activities, and presents views of library functions 10 years from now. Issues and questions are presented and their impact on the library profession is discussed. (EJS)

Discusses the results of a survey to find out who was using the British Columbia Union Catalogue, why they were using it, how they were using it, what difficulties they were encountering, and what factors were influencing their success or failure. Eight recommendations are provided based on the results. (CHC)

Describes the implementation of remote public access to the online catalog at the University of Calgary and discusses the technical considerations and difficulties encountered. The resulting cooperative efforts of the library and the university computing center are outlined, and several library service related issues are raised. (CLB)

Discusses reasons for the development of an online catalog using computer output microfiche (COM) supplements to the card catalog in a university library, and outlines some of the principles used in designing the online system. Three references are cited. (CHC)