Illustrates the best form for library catalogs through a retrospective examination of the nineteenth century Rudolph Continuous Indexer. (RAA)

Suggests that libraries abandon full cataloging in favor of indexing, using the information provided by micropublishers. While a national index to the contents of microforms would be best, an alternative for local libraries would be to create their own COM (computer output microfilm) index. Twenty references are included. (Author/RAA)

Reviews results of microform user studies to reveal which computer output microfilm (COM) products are accepted and which ones are not. Impediments to use are discussed, and a list of further readings on COM is included. (SW)

This project proposed to develop and test the use of microform catalogs produced from computer-generated magnetic tape records in both fiche and film formats. The Computer Output Microform (COM) catalog developed for this purpose is a union list of titles from the five participating libraries--Houston and Dallas Public Libraries, Texas State…

This discussion of the use of computer output microform (COM) as a feasible alternative to the library card catalog includes a brief history of library catalogs and of microform technology since World War II. It is argued that COM catalogs are to be preferred to card catalogs, online catalogs accessed by terminals, and paper printouts. Advantages…

Generated as the result of the deliberations of the COM Catalog Advisory Work Group, which depended heavily on a review of the available literature, individual analysis, and group discussion, this report is intended as a general planning document for Virginia Commonwealth university libraries concerning their possible implementation of a COM…

Describes a method for estimating the number of cathode ray tube terminals needed for public use of an online library catalog. Authors claim method could also be used to estimate needed numbers of microform readers for a computer output microform (COM) catalog. Formulae are included. (Author/JD)

Discusses the successful introduction, present status, and future outlook of computer output microfilm (COM) catalogues at the University of Guelph Library. A description of the local circumstances and environment includes the user community, library organization, choice of format and other COM characteristics, environmental determinants for…

A brief statement on the advantages of using computer output microform (COM) for library catalogs introduces a general plan for implementing such a catalog in an academic library. The factors involved and types of decisions that must be made are discussed for each of eight steps in the process: determining the objectives of the catalog; choosing…