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…

Reports the results of a study of cataloging records input into the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) data base by participating libraries (non-MARC records). The records were analyzed to determine the various fields where most errors occur, as well as the types of cataloging errors. (Author/VT)

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…

Briefly describes BALLOTS (Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations using a Time-sharing System). (PF)

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…

Presents an overview of the developments and dilemmas related to the cataloging and classification of maps, addressing the areas of online library systems, cooperative cataloging, descriptive cataloging, subject access, and the improvement of network capabilities. Seventeen references are cited. (FM)

Reviews the literature addressing description and cataloging. Topics covered in the review include the functions and structures of catalogs; the Anglo American Cataloging Rules; application and extension of bibliographic control; authority control; shared cataloging and bibliographic networks; retrospective conversion; management topics; and the…

This report of a study of the CONSER (CONversion of SERials) project begins with an overview of the history of the project. Developments leading to the study are described in the second section, and the third section addresses data gathering through a literature search, a CONSER participants meeting, and interviews. Findings, discussion, and…

This simplified description of the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) includes an interview with OCLC director Fred Kilgour. (PF)

An evaluation of the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) based on visits to the 47 OCLC charter members in Ohio. (PF)

Discusses cataloging problems in public libraries--Library of Congress records, international standards, and cataloging records--and their possible effects on establishing public library networks. A model public library bibliographic network is presented. (KP)