Reports findings of a nationwide survey to determine how select number of libraries (38 respondents) have conducted projects to convert retrospective holdings to machine-readable form. Analysis of the data in areas of planning, budget, effects on user services and cataloging/output, staff, training, and evaluation is discussed. Two sources are…

Explores methods and costs of the retrospective conversion process, i.e., converting card catalog records into machine readable form to create an automated catalog. Data conversion standards, methods, search strategy, databases, verification and editing, costs, and products of conversion are noted. Thirty-two references are cited. (EJS)

Indicating the three-pronged thrust of school libraries--Resource, Service and Teaching--this article highlights libraries as they exist in schools which are part of a system. Concerns of school librarians regarding networking and cooperation, staffing, copyright, selection, and censorship are discussed. (EJS)

Computer systems in libraries, which are increasingly cost justifiable, are applicable for circulation, acquisitions, cataloging, and serials. This article describes a college library online circulation system and its potential benefits, which include circulation control, less professional and clerical effort, improved library management, and…

Addresses the need for liberal arts colleges and the use of available technology/automation to help secure their survival. Some factors to be considered in planning and budgeting for automation are discussed. (Author/MBR)

Focuses the issue of outsourcing cataloging in academic and special libraries. Examines the goal of outsourcing to increase production at reduced costs; a case of outsourcing at Wright State University of Ohio; confidentiality issues of outsourcing by law firms and other corporations; contracts; debates on "whether" and "what"…

Effects of computerized systems in libraries are explored in five articles. The first discusses reasons why maintaining a collection of resources is strengthened rather than weakened by the existence of online databases. The remaining four describe the implementation and use of microcomputers in high school, elementary school, and academic…

Special problems of accepting, preserving, and servicing oral history materials (tapes, transcripts, and small or large collections of supporting papers and photographs) with examples of how these are handled in the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley. (Author)

A brief look at the background and progress of the Shared Cataloging Program is presented. (NH)

Provides a general overview of library automation and a number of suggestions to assist in making decisions about automation in small academic libraries. Three areas of automation are discussed--reference service, circulation, and technical processes--with emphasis on the planning process, implementation, and evaluation. (CLB)

Discusses applications of a microcomputer in the Mountain View Elementary School Library in Colorado, noting costs and effectiveness involved in the development and use of a computerized card catalog and librarian aid with tasks such as filing, typing, ordering, and inventory. A bibliography is provided. (EJS)

This article is mainly devoted to a description of the Boston Theological Institute, the youngest of the theological clusters, dating from 1967-68. (NH)

Discusses problems (poverty, lack of national publishers, use of libraries as study halls, low professional status of librarians) affecting high school libraries in Latin America and suggests ways to improve library services, focusing on reference service (opening reference stacks, improved cataloging, library skills instruction), technical…

Argues that a national preservation effort is needed to protect Catholic newspapers. Discusses the American Theological Library Association, the Center for Research Libraries, the Catholic Archives of Texas, the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center, as well as digital preservation efforts and grant possibilities. (AEF)

The need in today's library for a middle career category between the professional and the clerical is stressed. The functions which could be performed by the library technical assistant are elaborated and programs for education and training are presented. (JN)