Poses four issues concerning library catalogs and cataloging and presents suggestions toward resolution of these problems. Cost considerations, cataloging system design, the catalog's role in shaping service users receive and those they are encouraged to seek, and contradictory requirements of the catalog are highlighted. (EJS)

Explores the use of public online access systems, noting three reasons for their emergence: the failure of computer output microform (COM) catalogs, online circulation systems, and commercial vendors. User needs and wants and librarian requirements are outlined in terms of cost considerations. Fourteen references are listed. (EJS)

Explores nature and magnitude of extensions needed in order to use a library circulation control system as an online catalog, noting Margaret Mann's eight functions of a library catalog, authority control, cross references, correlating subjects, structure revision, adding access, terminal needs, and system reliability. Nine references are cited.…

The experiences of banks introducing computerized services to the public are described to provide some idea of what libraries can expect when they introduce online systems. Volume of use of Automated Teller Machines, types of users, introduction of machines, and user acceptance are highlighted. Thirty-two references are cited. (EJS)

Discusses concerns of librarians entering field of library automation emphasizing issues surrounding automated circulation control systems and online catalogs. Factors which have contributed to dramatic growth in these areas are enumerated: MARC II format, reduced computer costs, commercial vendors, scarce resources, and turnkey systems. (EJS)

This annual article reviews the progress and pitfalls experienced by the automated library system marketplace during 1985. Marketplace activity is represented by events in four segments: turnkey systems; library-developed software; software designed to run exclusively on microcomputers; and production of computer output microform catalogs. List of…

A review of library technological development and card catalog innovations of the past century and a half precedes a discussion of online public access catalog development. Design requirements and purpose of the online catalog, access techniques and provisions, costs, and future integration are highlighted. Twenty-two references are listed. (EJS)

Arguing that inadequacy of subject access in online catalogs lies with the database used as a foundation, this essay discusses the weaknesses of Library of Congress subject cataloging and MARC records, electronic card catalogs, enhancement of data, publisher warnings, Boolean search strategy inadequacies, and changes in the national standard. (EJS)

This annual review article examines the automated library system marketplace from four perspectives: turnkey circulation systems, library-developed software which may be purchased by other libraries, the microcomputer segment of market, and production of COM catalogs. Addresses of 86 turnkey vendors, software vendors, library-developed systems,…

Explains rationale behind proposed voluntary U.S. standard computerized library catalog called the "Uniform Catalog." Design goals (should mimic manual card catalog, offer simplicity of operation and low overhead, permit modular growth to more advanced catalog), sample search, and nine commands and functions used by "Uniform…

Comparison of access through the traditional catalog and online systems focuses on functions of the library card catalog--to provide access to all of author's work including works whereby author is identified in nonidentical ways, and to present to user all editions and translations as representations of a given work. (EJS)

Discussion of college students' dependency on the library card catalog as a problem in bibliographic instruction covers student attitudes toward card catalog; catalog shortcomings (portions of books are not indicated, subject headings don't always match user's terms, availability not indicated); a positive teaching approach; and online…

Outlines progress of California Spanish Language Data Base (CSLDB) project in its effort to provide subject access to Spanish language collections in public libraries. Generating Spanish counterparts for English subject headings, going online, and the current effort of seeking a host bibliographic utility are examined. References are provided.…

This analysis of nine myths of library automation highlights cost effectiveness, circulation control and delinquency rates, budget allocation, staff needs, technical services productivity, the online catalog, need for consultants, the MARC format, and turnkey systems. Views of the reality regarding each myth are offered. (EJS)

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)