The technology of the 21st century has had no shortage of challenges for libraries, but it has also brought opportunities. Operating systems, databases, and application environments that can use cheap off-the-shelf hardware to scale and handle hundreds of millions of transactions were not developed for libraries. However, libraries have taken…

At the end of 2007, SirsiDynix introduced the first version of Symphony, its new flagship Integrated Library System (ILS). This article begins with a look at the evolution of Symphony, user reactions to Symphony, and Symphony's design and functionality. The authors, along with a team of librarians from various functional areas, have completed…

It seems, at times, that a frantic race persists to ensure that a child, in the crucial learning stages of early elementary education, acquires the appropriate reading level before he or she "gets behind." Though there are obvious issues with branding a book "Grade Level One" or "Reading Level 2.2," it is nevertheless…

India is a huge country with a population of more than 1 billion. In India, by tradition, education and learning are highly valued. In fact, India has one of the largest higher education systems in the world, with regard to the number of institutions. Education is a necessity. It is the most effective instrument with which to imbue people with the…

This fourth annual report of the Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET) documents its disaffiliation from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB); the increased strength and solidity of the whole organization as evidenced by the addition of 44 new member institutions and 48 new terminals in member libraries; the increased ability to meet the…

This article introduces the types of systems operating in the individual provinces and explains their purposes. Also covered are automated cataloging through library networks, and the beneficial and detrimental aspects of cooperative cataloging support systems. The University of Guelph system of automated cataloging, circulation, and acquisition…

The impact of a bibliographic retrieval/card production system, such as the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), on the cataloging procedures of the large academic library is examined. (11 references) (Author/RS)

The minutes of this meeting provide the texts of the seven addresses given during the program sessions, as well as the discussions that followed each session: C. Lee Jones, "Bibliographic Service Development Program"; Henriette D. Avram, "The Role of the Library of Congress in National Planning for Bibliographic Control"; James F. Govan,…

The member libraries of the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) adopted standards for input cataloging in order to improve the technical processes while still keeping costs at a minimum. Increased compatibility of records input by different libraries so that records input by one could be more readily used by others was the final goal. It was…

Four categories of automated network catalog products and services are examined. The advantages and disadvantages of (1) the on-line cathode-ray-tube (CRT) display, (2) the line-printer produced card, (3) the photo-composed book catalog or catalog card, and (4) computer-based microforms are all reviewed. (Author)

Suggestions are made for solving problems in current computerized cooperative library networks. (KP)

Discusses the pros and cons of library cooperation as exemplified by interlibrary loan and OCLC. Moving away from cooperation toward the more intensive use of local systems is suggested as one alternative for the future. (MES)

The Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) is a regional library network. It provides catalog cards tailored to the requirements of its fifty-three member libraries via an on-line shared cataloging system. (2 references) (Author/RS)

Reviews bibliographic control before and after the advent of machine-readable cataloging, and holds that new developments toward decentralization seem to counter the existing technological trend toward centralization of automated library services. (FM)