Considers the use of nonbibliographic databases, also known as source files, as an information service supplied to library users and notes commercially produced databases, brokerage firms offering a variety of small databases, community resource files, differences between use of bibliographic and non-bibliographic databases including fees, and…

An information service designed to meet women's needs operates at the Montclair, New Jersey, public library. (PF)

Describes the functions and characteristics of the microcomputer and discusses library applications including cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, serials control, reference and database systems, administration, current and future trends, and computers as media. Twenty references are listed. (CHC)

Discusses the inception and history of the Research Libraries Group, a member-owned corporation of 25 universities begun in 1972 and dedicated to improving the management of information necessary for the advancement of scholarship. Goals, programs (shared resources program, collection development program), and network database are noted. (EJS)

Addresses issues involved in implementing Out-Dial program at Pennsylvania State University Libraries, where the feasibility of using online catalog terminals to access external databases is undergoing evaluation. Placement of terminals and microcomputers, "ready reference" searching, vendors, training, cost-effective searching,…

Discusses the long-term value of bibliographic records to the library and the cost and service implications of that value. Topics covered include records in the public domain; sources of machine-readable bibliographic records (bibliographic utilities, state and multistate networks, commercial vendors, federal agencies, libraries); rights and…

Evaluates the database program SAVVY PC and describes its use in a public library reference department to index a local newspaper. The basic structure of SAVVY and FORTH, the language it's written in, are explained along with how the database is used. Advantages and disadvantages of the system are discussed. (EM)

Reviews the conception and services of ALANET, American Library Association's (ALA) electronic information service designed to create an electronic mail system and develop a wide-ranging information service to improve access to information resources of ALA. External databases, professional information services, communications networks, assisting…

Describes the Library Computer System, an online circulation system used in 22 Illinois libraries, that features complete holdings and circulation status information for serials and monographs. Problems in the network environment, plans for modification, and reasons why the system works are identified. References and two additional readings are…

Discusses readers' advisory services in public libraries and describes a method to convert information on specific books and genres to a computer database. Topics include utilizing staff knowledge, fields included for each book, the development of descriptors, the editing process, and writing summaries and critiques of the books. (LRW)

Activities of Online Computer Library Center, a nonprofit corporation developed in 1967 that provides a cooperative, computerized network, are discussed. Member, staff, and financial growth; unique subsystems (cataloging, acquisitions, serials control, interlibrary loan, retrospective conversion); problems with terminals, taxes, and competitive…

Discusses technology used to preserve, control, index, and retrieve information in newspapers, highlighting ways to record analyses of news stories, storage/indexing systems based on computers, information as salable commodity, preparation of news for electronic storage, answering in-house queries, questions of copyright and invasion of privacy,…

Outlines programs of Hispanic Information Exchange, a nonprofit organization established to support libraries in attempts to meet information and cultural needs of Hispanic population--current and retrospective bilingual cataloging services (SPANCAT, "Bilindex"), publication of review journal "Lector," cooperative acquisitions services,…

Presents interview with Roger Summit, the president of Dialog Information Services, Inc. Highlights include Summit's role as chief architect of the system, the inception of Dialog and its beginnings at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, services provided by Dialog, a challenge for libraries, and future developments and services. (EJS)

Eight articles serve as an introduction to the growing presence of technology in libraries. Topics covered include going online with microcomputers, a selection guide to database management software, sensible groundrules for circulating software, selection of software for microcomputer centers, and setting standards for microcomputers in…