Discusses the information explosion as it relates to the emergence of the information handling capability explosion, or the use of computer technology, citing library network online databases as evidences of information control. (EJS)

Metadata is often created in a time-consuming process by catalogers, digital library technicians, and others. It is then underused in the systems. But recent experiments by some library organizations indicate that only the surface is being scratched on what data can do. The American West Project at the California Digital Library (CDL) is…

Various aspects of computer and information science and librarianship are discussed, including the problem of foreign language material increasing in the U.S. and Canada. (SM)

Describes three stages of the automation of information processing systems by combining the concept of the exponential growth of operational capabilities with three characteristics: computational capability, ability to store data, and ability to communicate data. The growth of fiberoptic technology is described as beginning the third stage. (EM)

Explores microcomputer revolution and assesses role of microcomputers in libraries. Highlights include characteristics of three types of computers (mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers); hardware limitations of microcomputers (storage capacity, processing speed); advancing technology; the local area network; software problems; and…

Discussion of the effect of computer technology on library automation and networking highlights added benefits and added costs, autonomous past, pressure for standardization, rise of bibliographic utilities (e.g., OCLC, Research Library Information Network, Washington Library Network), return to decentralization, distributed processing,…

Describes a breakthrough in omni-font optical character recognition (OCR) that will permit economical automation of library catalogs and other library processes within the next few years. (RAA)