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…

Focuses on significant developments of the recent past in acquisition and control of library microforms. Highlights include reference works essential to acquisition of microforms and microform equipment, microform utilization in libraries, bibliographic control, computer output microfilm (COM) and the Copyright Law, technological developments,…

Improvements in the technology associated with the information sciences will have their primary potential impact on the distribution of costs, information flow level, information availability, and use among information channels. This improvement implied not only a capability to perform a given function, but a lower cost. For example, the trend…