Describes the development of the SNOBOL4 programing language and discusses its use in libraries for text processing applications. Other languages that are oriented toward text processing are discussed, including SPITBOL and ICON; programing skills necessary to use SNOBOL4 are discussed; and a vendor for SNOBOL4 products is recommended. (15…

Describes a state library's approach to automating federal document processing using commercially available shipping list information software as input data. A package that incorporates elements of a customized version of a dBASE application developed by another library, the Bernan DECK Shelf List Service, and Data Magician by Folland Software is…

Discusses optical character recognition (OCR) for use with MS-DOS microcomputers. Cost effectiveness is considered, three types of software approaches to character recognition are explained, hardware and operation requirements are described, possible library applications are discussed, future OCR developments are suggested, and a list of OCR…

Examines the practical realities of upgrading Intel personal computers in libraries, considering budgets and technical personnel availability. Highlights include adding RAM; putting in faster processor chips, including clock multipliers; new hard disks; CD-ROM speed; motherboards and interface cards; cost limits and economic factors; and…