Generalized computational subroutines can reduce programing repetitions and wasteful computer storage use. The most useful are those that are flexible enough to handle a wide variety of situations. Subroutines may have details open to change in order to blend into the main program. They may be built into the computer library or supplied by the…

This report describes digital computer simulation efforts in a study of memory systems for two important cases: that of the individual the brain; and that of society, the library. A neural system model is presented in which a complex system is produced by connecting simple hypothetical neurons whose states change under application of a…

The first section of this precis summarizes the general nature of the present chemical information systems of the world. The discussion is presented in four parts: (1) the primary literature, (2) secondary sources and services, (3) libraries and information centers and (4) other elements categorized as informal communications. The second section…

The Library Information System Time-Sharing (LISTS) experiment was based on three innovations in data processing technology: (1) the advent of computer time-sharing on third-generation machines, (2) the development of general-purpose file-management software and (3) the introduction of large, library-oriented data bases. The main body of the…

Based on the principle that alphabetical arrangement should be based on the characters actually appearing in the sort field, a computer filing code was produced which provides rules for formatting entries for computer manipulation. This study applies the principles developed in that code to library subject headings, using a sample of the Library…

This paper describes a locally-developed multi-purpose system that stores data about any number of special collections within the libraries and prints that data in a number of formats on demand or as scheduled reports. The system operates on an IBM 360/67 dual processer with data entry via a teleprocessing system. The key to the file is the call…

This collection of ten conference reports begins with "Historical Impact of Computers on the Operation of Libraries and Information Systems: A Personal Perspective" and is followed by "Tips on Computer Software: Advantages and Methods of Program Dissemination" and "BLOCS--A Unique Multi-Dimensional Approach to On-Line Circulation". Next, libraries…

This paper discusses the differences between the storage problems encountered in a large library and those encountered in the human memory. Some of the properties of the human memory system and some of the major issues which affect the interaction between human users and the existing library systems are outlined. The problem of browsing is used as…

This report presents the results of the initial phase of the File Organization Project, a study which focuses upon the on-line maintenance and search of the library's catalog holdings record. The focus of the project is to develop a facility for research and experimentation with the many issues of on-line file organizations and search. The first…

The MARC Pilot Project was an experiment conducted by the Library of Congress, in cooperation with 16 participating libraries, to determine the feasibility of putting cataloging data into machine-readable from for distribution of magnetic tapes. MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging) records were distributed for some 16,000 titles in the pilot phase…

SCORPIO (Subject Content-Oriented Retriever for Processing Information On-line), a set of computer programs developed by the Library of Congress for use by the Library Library's staff, is described. Intended as a users guide for those not trained in data processing, this document presents the system's general characteristics together with a…