Describes microcomputer-based automation for library applications, noting use of inexpensive (sometimes free) existing programs and software such as dBase II to write or modify programs to meet specific needs. Programs written for the IBM PC-XT to produce serials lists and analyze serials collections are included. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses the characteristics of information retrieval software and examines several capabilities of two systems, SIRE and ZyINDEX--creating a database, indexing the database, maintaining the database, and searching the database. Each system's strengths and weaknesses in bibliographic record and full text applications are analyzed. A glossary is…

Details distinction between digital and analog data, advantages of analog storage, and optical disc use to store analog data. Configuration and potential of three levels of laser disc systems are explained. Selection of display devices for use with laser disc systems and accessing audio data are addressed. (Continued in next issue.) (EJS)

Details capabilities and benefits of the Chinese/Japanese/Korean (CJK) terminal developed to operate within the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN). RLIN enhancements to support new terminal (parallel data fields in MARC record for romanized data and CJK data, CJK thesaurus), operating the terminal, and CJK users are discussed. Examples…

Addresses the importance of item specific information to online public access catalog users and conversion planning. Options for attaching item specific information to bibliographic records are described: conversion via local system terminal, automatic item creation from OCLC bibliographic records, custom label programs. Examples of bar codes are…

The Faxon Company has developed a user-friendly, menu-driven database that includes all serial titles from every subject area announced within the past three years. Accessible by ASCII terminals and personal computers, INFOSERV is available through Telenet and provides a brief bibliographic description together with availability information for…

InfoQUEST is a microcomputer-based online public access catalog, designed for the small library handling file sizes up to 25,000 records. Based on the IBM-PC, or compatible machines, the system will accept downloading, in batch mode, of records from the library's file on the UTLAS Catalog Support System. (Author/EJS)

The SilverPlatter system is a complete, stand-alone system, consisting of an IBM (or compatible) personal computer, compact disc with read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, software, and one or more databases. Large databases (e.g., ERIC, PsycLIT) will soon be available on the system for "local" installation in schools, libraries, and…

Command-driven searches would be facilitated, as users move from system to system, if a common command language were used. Proposed standards for a "Common Command Language for Online, Interactive Information Retrieval" have been developed by National Information Standards Organization (NISO) Committee G, and are now being reviewed for…

Reviews attributes of laser discs and "traditional" objections to use of audiovisual materials. Use of authoring systems as means of tailoring laser disc programs and updating aging materials is described. Flexibility and power of the Video Nova Authoring System is explained and illustrated and the SONY SMC-70 microcomputer is evaluated.…

Describes the development and installation of the Computer Automated Software for the Total Library Environment System (CASTLE), which uses a microcomputer to automate operations of small academic library in six main areas: circulation, online catalog, inventory and file maintenance, audiovisual equipment, accounting, and information and…

Describes the Information Function of the LS/2000 integrated library system at Carnegie-Mellon University. Existing and planned functions, screen displays, and selection options (announcements, guides to book locations, library hours, access to library guides and bibliographies, library policies and services) are illustrated. Footnotes are…

Provides evaluation of three components of Faxon's LINX On-Line Remote Access Serials Management System in use at Brandeis University: Datalinx, online component which provides display-only access to Faxon's files, plus electronic mail and computer-based instruction functions; SC-10, online component encompassing serials check-in and claiming; new…

Describes four major subsystems of OCLC's LS/2000, an integrated local library system which can be adapted to wide variety of library environments: multibranch circulation and online catalog searching; online cataloging and authority file maintenance; management report generation; and system set up parameters that translate local library policy…

Describes objectives of a museum information system: to capture photographic, lineal, and textual documents in high resolution digital images; to convert digital images of text to standard computer code; and to retrieve appropriate code automatically through keyword searching of full text. System assembly and planned and potential applications are…