Examines the development of the microcomputer and focuses on its potential for library automation. The characteristics of microcomputers and minicomputers are contrasted and a selected annotated bibliography includes a list of specialty magazines on microcomputers. (RAA)

Discusses the possible effects of library automation and networking on standards of catalog accuracy, catalog maintenance, circulation control, and other processes, and describes the mission of the Research Libraries Group (RLG), a consortium of 25 research libraries. (FM)

Describes how the Main Library at the University of California at Davis uses both the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) and OCLC in its technical services operations, including retrospective conversion, cataloging, searching, and authority work. Two references are provided. (EJS)

Three beliefs about library networks are discussed and shown to be myths: i.e., networks save money, blur the lines between technical and public services, and, by breaking down barriers between libraries, will move the profession from a philosophy of ownership to one of access. (EM)

Presents overview of three decades of library automation: the 1960s, dominated by primitive local systems; the 1970s, dominated by large multitype and multipurpose networks; and the 1980s, which will be dominated by a return to local systems. Bibliographic utilities and library networks and cooperation are noted. Twenty-one references are listed.…

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,…

This essay defines traditional library technical services (acquisition, cataloging, processing, circulation control) and addresses questions concerning impact of automation on future of these services in following areas: professional and paraprofessional staff, reorganization, relationship between technical services and other areas of library,…

Describes the growth and linkage of computer and communication technologies in academic libraries, and suggests that librarians should assume a militant role in dealing with information issues, including: the library's role in relation to the individual scholar and the university's information environment; costs and budgets; and information as a…