The truest meaning of public service was that, although never used by all citizens, it was still available for any citizen. Whether public service in America can survive in the next decade, and maintain its basic altruistic concepts, will be the concern of all librarians. (Author/NH)

Authority control of a cataloging database is essential to support an effective machine readable catalog. Automated authority control can provide assistance with the difficult, intellectually demanding part of cataloging: integrating new items into a collection. (Author)

How the Library of Congress lives up to its present expectations as a national center for acquisitions, bibliography, and library computer applications (second in a two-part series). (JB)

Assesses the effect of the communications technology revolution on library and information specialists and the environment for the delivery of library services. Four functions affecting the library and information environment--management, communications, instruction, and publication--are noted. (EJS)

This overview of vendors supplying goods and services to libraries notes the development of library suppliers, services offered by subscription agencies, the use of online systems, services offered by book jobbers, other vendor services, binderies, and consumerism. (EJS)

Reviews the history of the federal depository library program, noting the legislation that determined the present system of libraries. Two important developments are described--the format change of the Monthly Catalog and the GPO (Government Printing Office) micropublishing program--and future plans are revealed. (JD)

Relates office automation to its application in libraries, discussing computer software packages for microcomputers performing tasks involved in word processing, accounting, statistical analysis, electronic filing cabinets, and electronic mail systems. (EJS)