Discusses the Request for Proposal (RFP) process (formal document asking vendors to submit proposal for system meeting specific needs of library) employed by Canadian libraries as major step in selection of online system. System selection, evaluation, and implementation, Request for Information, estimating costs, and contract negotiation are…

Issues and impacts of microcomputer use in libraries are discussed in terms of labor dislocation, costs, distributed data processing, networks, current system configurations and capabilities, and software. Reference service management, information retrieval systems, and external online access are also examined. Twenty-six references are listed.…

Discussion of the problem of automation in the workplace with references to libraries focuses on the person/machine interface of visual display terminals (VDT). An argument is made for a human systems approach which integrates operator-user, VDT, work environment, work station, and task. Ergonomic recommendations for VDT use are made. (Author/EJS)