In March 2007, SirsiDynix notified its Horizon and classic Dynix customers that it would not be releasing Horizon 8.0 in favor of developing its Unicorn software. As vice president/president-elect of SirsiDynix's Horizon/Dynix user group, the author was one of the first ones to be notified of this abrupt change in company strategy. The news sent…

In a year where the general economy presented enormous challenges, libraries continued to make investments in automation, especially in products that help improve what and how they deliver to their end users. Access to electronic content remains a key driver. In response to anticipated needs for new approaches to library automation, many companies…

Discussion of collection analysis in school libraries focuses on the kinds of data used and how to use library automation software to collect the data. Describes the use of Microsoft Excel and its chart-making capabilities to enhance the presentation of the analysis and suggests ways to use collection analysis output. (LRW)

This list of 126 software programs includes the title, description, producer or address to contact for additional information, system requirements, and cost. Programs listed are categorized by the following library functions: audiovisual catalog, audiovisual equipment inventory, bibliographies, catalog card printing, circulation and overdues,…

Discusses the use of microcomputers for automating school libraries, both for entire systems and for specific library tasks. Highlights include available library management software, newsletters that evaluate software, constructing an evaluation matrix, steps to consider in library automation, and a brief discussion of computerized card catalogs.…

Describes the implementation of CD-ROM catalogs in two secondary school media centers. Hardware, software, and network details are presented. Database building is discussed, and factors to be considered in retrospective conversion are listed. Guidelines for student and faculty training are offered. (MES)

Reviews two basic ways in which microcomputers are being used in school library media centers--administrative or management purposes (circulation control, budget planning, acquisitions processes, staff and student scheduling); and instructive purposes (library skills, drill and practice, problem solving, computer literacy). Three major types of…

This directory is designed to allow media specialists in regional areas of Oklahoma to share their experiences in computer applications for libraries. The first of two sections lists schools using computers for circulation, computerized catalogs, library management, CD-ROM, laser disk programs, and online information systems. Schools are listed…

Contributed by librarians from public, academic, school, and special libraries, the 17 essays in this collection describe ways in which the Apple Macintosh is used in their libraries: (1) "Workstations and the Apple Macintosh" (Edward J. Valauskas); (2) "The Macintosh Experience at Chesapeake College" (Liz Cooper); (3)…

Identifies questions that school librarians considering retrospective conversion should ask to evaluate their catalog needs and questions to ask vendors about their conversion methods. Comparative data about various vendors and methods of retrospective conversion are provided, along with a list of vendor addresses. (CLB)

Discusses areas to be considered in planning for an automated system for a school library including standards; networking; hardware; cost; order of conversion; retrospective conversion; non-print bibliographic records; vendor reputation; integration with school management software; and subject access. Microcomputer integrated systems,…

This annual collection contains 18 papers about the use of Macintosh computers in libraries. Papers include: "The Macintosh as a Wayfinding Tool for Professional Conferences: The LITA '88 HyperCard Stack" (Ann F. Bevilacqua); "Enhancing Library Services with the Macintosh" (Naomi C. Broering); "Scanning Technologies in…

This report describes the development of the Forest Trail Library Consortium (FTLC), a network of academic, public, and school libraries in Texas. The growth of FTLC from 4 charter members to its current 16 members is traced, including details about goals and funding. The role of special interest groups (SIGs) is examined, and the goals and…

Discusses issues that school librarians need to consider when updating and automating their libraries based on examples of experiences in several high schools. Topics addressed include planning; problems; needs assessment; software compatibility and selection; CD-ROMs; and training needs. (LRW)

Presents guidelines for library media specialists who are preparing to install automated systems to provide improved management and access services. Reasons for automating library management are discussed; hardware and software considerations are reviewed, including costs and compatibility; and retrospective conversion of bibliographic records is…