Discusses rationale for operating an electronic bulletin board in an academic library setting and considerations for software and hardware selection. Experiences related to the operation of a bulletin board system at the University of Minnesota Library are summarized in the areas of goals and rationale, system selection, system configuration, and…

Using the experiences at the Vanderbilt University libraries as illustrations, this article addresses several concerns faced by libraries as they implement CD-ROM technology: (1) funding issues; (2) using multiple discs; (3) networking; (4) staff training; (5) end user training; (6) CD-ROM, print, and online differences; and (7) product…

Relates problems prompted by implementation of online circulation and cataloging systems in Polytechnic of North London's Library Service. Conversion of records from former card catalog to computer file and organizational problems (position of central technical services unit, position of Library Service in total information handling structure of…

Reports on a 1987 survey of automation in Australian academic and state libraries. The current situation is described in several areas: (1) turnkey integrated "proprietary" library system suppliers; (2) networks; (3) modules; (4) database issues; and (5) staffing trends. The questionnaire and data on proprietary systems and modules used…

Describes the implementation of an online catalog in the library of the National Institute for Cancer Research and the Clinical and Experimental Oncology Institute of the University of Genoa. Topics addressed include automation of various library functions, software features, database management, training, and user response. (10 references) (MES)

Discussion of the role and status of academic libraries in China focuses on automation efforts. Microcomputer-based applications are described; problems are discussed; and technological advances are considered. It is concluded that CD-ROMs in conjunction with microcomputers should be used in the majority of Chinese academic libraries. (10…

Compares the more positive library automation experiences of a small public library with those of a large research library. Topics addressed include collection size; computer size and the need for outside control of a data processing center; staff size; selection process for hardware and software; and accountability. (LRW)

Details the "painful" history, development, and progress of a "home-grown" library automation system at the Hartford State Technical College; describes several of the most common activities generated from menus; and looks at future prospects of the system. (Author/CLB)

Description of how aspects of library automation are dealt with in Norway highlights main centers for library automation (Norsk Senter for Informatik, two universities); Bibsys--integrated library automation system (bibliographic subsystem, circulation subsystem); and Bibnett project (project studying system-to-system communication between…

Discusses changes that have taken place within library systems as a consequence of the emergence of new computer-based technologies. Highlights include using electronic documents; electronic libraries; digital projects; educational applications; and a case study of OASIS (Open Access Student Information Service), a document handling system in the…

Describes objectives and technical design of the NCSU (North Carolina State University) Digitized Document Transmission Project, a collaborative project among the NCSU libraries, the National Agricultural Library, and 11 land grant university libraries, which is exploring issues involved in developing network-based document delivery systems for…

Describes remote access to the Norwich University (Vermont) online library catalog. Promotion of this service and impact on library attendance, circulation, and interlibrary loan are addressed. Sample screen displays and tables presenting attendance and circulation statistics are included. (five references) (MES)

Reviews global electronic access changes and their impact on library operations with particular references to developments at the Australian National University. Topics discussed include scholarly communication; user demands; information technology developments; library structures and organizations; management qualifications for librarianship;…

Examines distance learning delivery by the LE (Learning Environment) Club project, a collaboration between several Further Education colleges and Fretwell-Downing, a library automation company. The project integrates computer-supported learning with library automation systems, and addresses issues of user interface metaphors; tracking and…

Describes the development of the Online Contents Service at Tilburg University (Netherlands) that provides users with desktop microcomputer access to the contents of journals held at the university. The rationale, procedures, retrieval software, subject search capability, and future developments are discussed. (five references) (EA)