Discusses the flaws in online catalogs that lead to ineffective library use, including confusing subject access, outmoded classification systems, lack of authority control, split files and closed catalogs, lack of both menu and command modes, and lack of circulation information. Recommendations are made for improving library catalogs. (EM)

Describes the Maggie III automated library system, which supports a public access catalog, cataloging interface, bibliographic maintenance, circulation, electronic mail, and community information databases, with acquisitions and serials modules planned. Sidebars describe the community information database's structure, planned use of software by…

Access to online public access library catalogs and similar information networks by scholars in the humanities is discussed. Tools and approaches available for scholars to navigate the systems, their utility and contribution to "location independence" in information seeking, and the evolving relationship between libraries and their…

This study was designed to examine the means and timeliness of identifying and locating information in the present environment of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Library, and to determine the means of access that might best be employed during the next decade. Study methodology included an analysis of readings in the professional…

Reviews a wide range of retrieval problems that arose with the implementation of an online catalog in an academic library, especially the problem of retrieving uniform titles coded as authors. The need for changes in the underlying format of coding uniform titles as a universal solution is discussed. (Author/CLB)

Discussion of library networking issues that may be relevant to Japanese and U.S. libraries as they increase their use of central databases and local systems includes the role of the traditional library, distributed systems, linked systems, and the emergence of commercial systems. (Author/CLB)

Describes the implementation of remote public access to the online catalog at the University of Calgary and discusses the technical considerations and difficulties encountered. The resulting cooperative efforts of the library and the university computing center are outlined, and several library service related issues are raised. (CLB)

This report explores the benefits of establishing a centralized automated university information directory of available resources and software. The report covers five areas: (1) it describes the need for a centralized information directory service; (2) it makes recommendations for collecting information on resources and software in use or…

Based on the responses of 77 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries to a December 1986 survey of 106 ARL libraries (a 73% response rate), this report profiles the current state of bibliographic access to federal publications. Following a brief discussion of survey background and methodology, a summary of survey results indicates…

Describes Vannevar Bush's vision of memex, a mechanized private file and library, and suggests that the ability of users to download library online catalogs and manage the information on personal computers will realize Bush's vision. Current software packages are described, and the possible implications for libraries are explored. (CLB)

This book, while necessarily concerning itself with computer technology, approaches technology as a tool for providing public-service and helps librarians and others effectively manage public-access computers. The book is organized to progress from more technological to more managerial topics. The first chapter--which answers the question, "What…

This 5-year departmental strategic plan (1988-1993) was developed according to the strategic planning process adopted by Arizona State University (ASU). Nine goals of ASU's Cataloging Department are presented in separate sections in this report: (1) to continue the development and improvement of the intellectual content of the online catalog so…

In the first of two articles, William Potter discusses the drawbacks and opportunities presented by advances in technology, including budgeting for online access, dealing with publishers and producers, and relating to computing centers. In the second, Paul Metz discusses collection development in academic libraries with emphasis on new electronic…

Examines the MARC Archives and Manuscripts Control format as a prototype for the exchange of information among multitype networks including libraries and archives, and discusses existing differences in policy and objectives of libraries and archives that may be reconciled using this format. (CLB)

This document describes an investigation designed to examine the possibilities for using both existing and new technologies to increase and enhance public service capabilities at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Library, and to recommend an ongoing mechanism for assessing priorities for the application of technology in the…