Discussion of information and misinformation about integrated online library systems highlights capabilities and functions that should be offered by an integrated system, practicalities of purchasing a system, visions versus reality, library versus information automation, origins of integrated online systems in the 1960s and 1970s, and future…

Based on a survey of vendors of automated library systems, data for 1991 are presented on market share, software-only sales, public and academic library installations, sizes of system installations, system interfaces, hardware availability, and operating systems. Profiles of 29 vendors and a directory of sources are included. A sidebar discusses…

Reviews automated-systems activities in libraries during the past year and profiles major vendors. Topics include new partnership arrangements driven by competition; library-systems revenues; Y2K issues; Windows-based interfaces; consulting; outsourcing; development trends; global system sales; and sales by type of library. (LRW)

Necessity is still the mother of invention, and physical processing is a reality for most libraries. Ergo, the inevitable development of Indigo Media and its innovative MediaPrint software, which allows distributors to overlay customized labels, logos, barcodes, and artwork onto retail labels of audiobooks, CDs, VHS tapes, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, on a…

Review of papers presented by Peter Spyers-Duran and Sanford Berman at the Associated Colleges of the Midwest Conference on Management Issues in Automated Cataloging. (KP)

Traces activities, problems, and decision making in converting from a card catalog to a computer output microfilm (COM) catalog in an academic library. (KP)

Describes automated storage and retrieval (AS/R) techniques and discusses benefits, conservation considerations, and costs of the AS/R approach to the storage of library books. Thirteen annotated references are listed. (MES)

Outlines innovations in library tools made possible by use of computer output microfilm. (PF)

Discusses the negotiation of a purchase contract agreement between a library and vendor's sale representative for the purchase of an automated system. Vendor ploys and the negotiation process--selecting important issues, establishing tentative position on issues, developing alternatives, reaching agreement on all contract terms--are noted. Eleven…

Reports the application of a microcomputer for automating the circulation system of a small public library in Oregon. (RAA)

Five information company executives present an overview of the impact of technological innovation upon the library and its services and offer their predictions for libraries in 1985. (RAA)

Illustrates the best form for library catalogs through a retrospective examination of the nineteenth century Rudolph Continuous Indexer. (RAA)

Describes the development of the San Jose Public Library's newly operational SCICON circulation control system, one of the largest and fastest online systems in America. (RAA)

Discussion of the concept of service and its significance for library reference work focuses on attitudes and qualities important to good service. The changing nature of reference resulting from technological developments and the appropriateness of these values for modern day reference work are then addressed. (13 references) (MES)

Reports on a survey which assessed automated authority control capabilities of 18 vendors' automated library systems, software, or services. Graphs rank vendors according to overall score, authority record source, format/storage of authority records, database dynamics, matching/linking authority and bibliographic records, syndetic structure,…