The functions of electronic mail and online catalogs are described, and the possible uses of the two in conjunction for library purposes are explored, including notes between librarians, broadcast news, patron notifications, selective information dissemination, and interlibrary loans. (Author/CLB)

Reports the results of a survey of libraries having authority control and using authority control vendors, which was conducted to examine online maintenance features of present systems. The features discussed include global updates; uniqueness, hierarchical, and reciprocity checks; human intervention; field validation; and frequency of authority…

This description of the use of IBM Series/1 minicomputers to implement a library automation system includes discussion of current functions of the system, the system configuration, communications capabilities, software, and cost factors. (CLB)

Describes a study which examined (1) the percentage of personal and corporate name authority records in the Library of Congress authority file that do not contain any references, and (2) the percentage of references present on existing authority records that are not needed in an automatic right hand truncation, keyword searching environment. (CLB)

This tutorial on packet radio (communication system using radio and digital packet-switching technology) highlights radio transmission of data, brief history, special considerations in applying packet radio to library online catalogs, technology, defining protocol at physical and network levels, security, geographic coverage, and components. (A…

Describes a technique for accessing a library system with limited interconnectivity by connecting the system to a gateway machine that is a host in the local area network and evaluates the performance of an existing prototype that has been implemented at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. (Author/CLB)

Important features of local area networks (LAN) are reviewed, and several microcomputer LANs are described (ARCnet, Hinet, ShareNet, Ethernet, Omninet, PLAN 4000). Results of survey of 10 libraries using or planning to use a microcomputer LAN and considerations in choosing a LAN are reported. Forty-one references are cited. (EJS)

Describes an automation project at the Merriam Center Library in which Apple Macintoshes were introduced as library workstations. The implementation process, staff involvement and reactions, and current configurations and applications of the workstations are discussed. An appendix provides a comparison of current microcomputer based workstations…

Description of the way in which some essential features of pathfinders have been incorporated in the online library catalog at Lehigh University discusses factors involved in record design, provides examples of records used with a GEAC Integrated Library System, and suggests several ways of implementing pathfinder records online. (CDD)

Discusses design features of the Online Catalog of LS/2000, OCLC's enhanced version of Integrated Library System. This minicomputer-based system provides bibliographic file maintenance, circulation control, and online catalog searching. Examples of available displays--holdings, full MARC, work forms, keyword entry, index selection, brief citation,…

Discusses the effect of online library catalogs on when, how, and by whom authority control work is done, focusing on experiences at Ohio State University Libraries. Shifts include removal of authority work from automated cataloging procedures, separation of mechanical and intellectual tasks, unique headings and references, and original…

This checklist based on an earlier version (1980) relates specifically to cathode ray tube and other visual display terminals (VDTs) and also applies to personal computers. Highlights include changes in VDTs, selecting a VDT (evaluate needs, survey market, observe and use, talk to users), and screen and keyboard characteristics. (EJS)

The development, field testing, and evaluation of a checklist approach to selecting an integrated library automation system are described, and recommendations for using this approach are outlined. The checklist, which is divided into five main sections of catalog features and functions, is appended. (Author/CLB)

Three articles describe procedures used for retrospective conversion: MITINET/retro system in Wisconsin and efforts to create statewide bibliographic database; retrocon process for Library Computer System circulation/resource-sharing system in Illinois academic libraries; use of REMARC to build online catalog at Johns Hopkins University. Authority…

Describes the Linked Systems Protocol, a draft national standard for bibliographic information retrieval aimed at developing an extended protocol for the movement of bibliographic information from one system to another, and its implications for library automation, the individual librarian, and the library user. (CLB)