Contributors from five libraries--Bentley College, Boston University, the College of Charleston, the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and the Resource Sharing Alliance of West Central Illinois--describe their automation projects, including staff impact; costs and funding; time and schedules; users; computer support; vendors; and consultants.…

Discusses the development of electronic libraries at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library and elsewhere and presents an overview of changes in services and staff responsibilities needed to address user needs. Sidebar articles discuss Internet access to government information; changing staff roles; geographic information systems; the Mann…

This 48-item annotated bibliography includes recent, substantive materials on automated circulation systems of all types (batch, online, in-house, commercially packaged) with emphasis on online turnkey systems. Items are categorized into five general sections: general overviews, vendor-specific information, case studies, patron acceptance and…

Discusses multitype library cooperation in South Dakota, including a statewide automated network that supports library operations and contains periodical indexes; state library activities that include providing service to rural libraries via the Internet as well as library staff training; and school library projects. (LRW)

Describes the development of an electronic text center in the Cornell University (New York) library. Discusses effects of spanning traditionally separate areas of the library, such as collection development, reference and instruction, information technology and support, and stack maintenance; staff skills needed; and the importance of…

Discusses new services that academic librarians are offering to users involving digital data, such as geographic information systems laboratories and electronic text centers. Suggests that human factors, such as management, organizational climate among the staff, and the development of a user community will determine the success or failure of the…

Describes the functions of the Information Technology Section at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library: (1) maintains and supports the library computer system; (2) develops software; (3) trains staff; (4) enables staff to make technical suggestions; (5) communicates library requirements to campus technical support unit; and (6) advises…

Describes three projects that illustrate the range of activities in which Cornell University's Mann Library technical services staff participate, including developing an organizational framework for numeric and full-text databases and bibliographic information for electronic resources. Sidebar articles describe the staff's computer workstations…

Discusses the implementation of Web-based online public access catalogs in academic libraries. Highlights include infrastructure issues, including the server, network issues, and desktop workstation issues; recommended minimal desktop configuration; reference services; staff training; cataloging and access; workflow of acquisition and processing;…

Discusses Oregon library automation projects, including Internet connectivity and a statewide multitype library network; a bibliographic information system with college and university libraries, including a union catalog; a Portland Area Library System that connects multitype libraries; and library staff training for the Internet. (LRW)

Introduces five articles on Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library by discussing the ideal research library; traditional and new models of the research library; how Mann Library is evolving to meet user expectations; and staff participation. Sidebar articles cover selected digital library projects, online primary journals, and a project…

Identifies factors to consider in creating and implementing an online public access catalog training program for library staff members. Form of program (lecture with demonstration, programed instruction, computer-based education, workshop), training materials, content of training, practical arrangement, training evaluation and feedback, and…

Presents results of survey of personnel allocation practices for online search services in 10 Canadian university libraries noting implications for remedies to problems at University of Ottawa. Assignment of searches on basis of subject specialization, training library technicians to run online searches, and end user searching are discussed. (EJS)

Discussion of issues in management of library automation includes: (1) hardware, including systems growth and contracts; (2) software changes, vendor relations, local systems, and microcomputer software; (3) item and authority databases; (4) automation and library staff, organizational structure, and managing change; and (5) environmental issues,…

Describes the Library of Congress's Experimental Search System (ESS), a Web-based online public access catalog that introduced new search methods to replace Boolean searching as well as powerful navigational aids for browsing and cross-linking. Discusses problems, ESS user comments, acceptance by Library of Congress staff, and future…