The history of library computerization from its initiation in 1954 to 1970 is described. Approximately the first half of the period was devoted to computerization of user-oriented subject information retrieval and the second half to library-oriented programs. (Author)

It is argued that the acceptance of library automation reflects a total lack of the critical evaluation that its expense would seem to require. (4 references) (Author/SJ)

Ellsworth Mason's two recently published papers, severely criticizing library automation, are refuted. While admitting to the failures and problems, this paper also presents the positive accomplishments in a brief evaluation of the status of library automation in 1971. (16 references) (Author/SJ)

The fourth Canadian Association of College and University Libraries (CACUL) Conference on Library Automation was held in Hamilton, June 20-21, 1970, as a pre-conference workshop of the Canadian Library Association (CLA). The purpose of the conference was to present papers on current projects and to discuss the continuing need for this type of…

Edited version of a speech, delivered as the Mary C. Richardson lecture, at the School of Library Science, State University College of New York at Geneseo, May 1969

The Ohio State University Libraries On-line Remote Catalog Access and Circulation Control System (LCS) began on-line operations with the conversion of one department library in November 1970. By December all 26 libraries had been converted to the automated system and LCS was fully operational one month ahead of schedule. LCS is designed as a…

The effects of social change on libraries nationally are presented in order to provide a framework for the Indiana-oriented study of library futures. The two major postwar social changes that have most directly affected libraries are: (1) population changes in growth, distribution and quality; and (2) increased investment in scientific research…

Scientific and technical libraries represent a fundamental link in a complex information storage and retrieval system. The handling of a large volume of scientific and technical data and provision of information library services requires the utilization of computing facilities and automation equipment, and was started in the Soviet Union on a…

The lack of information on problems, mistakes and failures of electronic data processing in libraries is described. A brief annotated bibliography on the subject is presented. (SJ)

What would technological librarians like to see in the next generation of Integrated Library Systems (ILS)? This question was asked of several well- known library technology experts, and their responses are presented in this article. Survey respondents expressed a clear desire for the following features and functionality: (1) Direct, read-only…

Developments and trends in various technologies relevant to library usage are examined for new insights and perspectives into the future of library technology. (Author/AB)

This 1954 paper is presented for its historical importance. It describes a method by means of which the 701 Calculator can perform certain library searching tasks. (MF)

This article discusses six maxims by which to run library automation. The following maxims are discussed: (1) Solve only known problems; (2) Avoid changing data to fix display problems; (3) Aut viam inveniam aut faciam; (4) If you cannot make it yourself, buy something; (5) Kill the alligator closest to the boat; and (6) Just because yours is…

THIS PLAN FOR AN AUTOMATED PERIODICAL SYSTEM DEMONSTRATED THAT AUTOMATED RECORDKEEPING IS DESIRABLE AS WELL AS FEASIBLE. BASED ON AN IBM 1620 COMPUTER (A PUNCHED-CARD READER AND PUNCH, A PAPER-TAPE READER AND PUNCH, A LINE PRINTER AND TWO MAGNETIC DISK DRIVES), THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO GIVE A WEEKLY HOLDINGS PRINTOUT, A WEEKLY CLAIMING REPORT, A…

The aim of the project was to develop automated systems encompassing the functions of existing manual procedures, but only when the functions could also be surpassed sufficiently to justify the cost of automation. The housekeeping systems were to be viewed as a whole and appropriate interfaces provided between them so as to provide an integrated…