This paper presents a novel approach to designing an online, open-source course in systems librarianship, an area of librarianship that may be perceived as complex and intimidating because of the technologies involved. The course design focuses on making systems librarianship more approachable for library and information science students who may…

Although self-checkout technology has been around for about 15 years, cashiers have not yet needed to worry about being rendered obsolete. Many stores have added self-checkout, but a clerk still has to be stationed in the area to help with problems. While self-check technology has improved immensely over the years, it still has not caught on to…

In 2007, "Library Journal" and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation named Hanover's Howe Library one of four "Best Small Libraries in America." Hanover is an affluent community with a long history of support for the public library. In fact, the town's taxpayers support two: Howe and Etna Library, a small, independent institution in the village of…

This report presents selected findings from the Public School Library Media Center Data File of the 2011-12 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). SASS is a nationally representative sample survey of public and private K-12 schools, principals, and teachers in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. School districts associated with public schools…

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)

Describes some considerations for installation and computer use in school systems. (AB)

An integrated library record-keeping system introduced ten years ago is still viable. Unanticipated fringe benefits have been interspersed with an occasional unanticipated faux pas. Computer costs, equipment requirements, and the possibilities for the future are covered. (2 references) (Author)

The trend toward extensive computerization of the processes of research libraries is indicated as excessive, uncritical and inefficient. (JN)

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 proposed Minnesota Computer-Aided Library System will provide a basis for the unification of developing programs of library services for academic, research, and public libraries in Minnesota. This report outlines the requirements for the proposed system to automate the University of Minnesota Libraries and to provide automated support via…

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…

Presents a state-of-the-art review of automated text-editing systems capable of more efficiently and effectively producing typewritten documents in libraries. Emphasis is placed on equipment configurations, recording/storage media, basic and special editing capabilities, and present and future trends. (Author)

How to best decide when it's time to replace your PC, whether at home or at work, is always tricky. Spending on computers can make you more productive, but it's money you otherwise cannot spend, invest or save, and faster systems always await you in the future. What is clear is that the computer industry really wants you to buy, and the computer…

This study of the computer/user interface investigated the role of the computer in performing information tasks that users now perform without computer assistance. Users' perceptual/cognitive processes are to be accelerated or augmented by the computer; a long term goal is to delegate information tasks entirely to the computer. Cybernetic and…