Examines options for buying microcomputers (the manufacturer or his/her representative, computer stores, general retail stores, mail order, system integrators, traditional vendors, second-hand). Three major factors are considered: support before sale; price/cost; and support after sale. Advantages and disadvantages of each option and…

Describes experiences of a public library with eight microcomputers available to the public, highlighting purchasing decisions; microcomputers for children, young adults, and adults; problems; scheduling; and the value of the microcomputers. (EJS)

Description of "Decision-Analyst," microcomputer software tool designed to analyze complex decisions involving many alternatives, highlights step-by-step approach, documentation, microcomputer requirements, and purchasing information. Two microcomputer users' groups (Apple Computer, Microcomputer Users Group for Libraries in North…

In-house library databases or "private files" (online catalog, library-created indexes, citations to journal literature) are discussed, focusing on computer software directories, periodicals, general directories, and online directories as sources for information on computer software. (EJS)

Documentation of author's personal experience in the purchasing of a microcomputer discusses background learning, the purchase decision, needs assessment, computer literacy, general information on microcomputers, the situation assessment, and the final check. (EJS)

Review of text processing software for microcomputers covers data entry, text editing, document formatting, and spelling and proofreading programs including "Wordstar,""PeachText,""PerfectWriter,""Select," and "The Word Plus.""The Whole Earth Software Catalog" and a new terminal to be…

Reports results of the 1994 Automated System Marketplace survey based on responses from 60 vendors. Highlights include changes in the library automation marketplace; estimated library systems revenues; minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems; marketplace trends; global markets and mergers; research needs; new purchase processes; and profiles…

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…

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,…

Suggests decision making techniques that can be used to estimate the consequences of choosing alternative courses of action, to select an optimum strategy, or to determine how sensitive predicted outcomes are to particular assumptions. Microcomputer use, quantitative techniques, and examples involving item reordering and adoption of word…

This special supplement to "Library Journal" and "School Library Journal" includes articles on technological dependency, promise of computers for reluctant readers, copyright and database downloading, access to neighborhood of Mister Rogers, library acquisitions, circulating personal computers, "microcomputeritis,"…