Reference services in public libraries are changing dramatically. The Internet, online databases, and shrinking budgets are all making it necessary for non-traditional reference staff to become familiar with online reference tools. Recognizing the need for cross-training, Chesapeake Public Library (CPL) developed a program called the Database…

The civil liberties issues involved in the keeping of public records certainly arose prior to the use of computers, but automated information systems have, beyond any question, aggravated those issues involved in all areas of application and have made the need for legal protection crucial, if we are not to see a synergistic development of national…

Printings and editions of a given monographic title are noted as major causes of duplicate bibliographic records in bibliographic networks. Considerations which cataloger must note--history of printing technology, cataloging rules, Library of Congress policy, local practices, and standards of bibliographic utilities--are discussed. Thirty-three…

Summarizes use statistics for the first year of search activity for the Kansas City Libraries Metropolitan Information Network (MINET). Included are databases searched, types of participating libraries, patron status, search systems used, charges, nonpaid searches, and referrals. (SW)

Corporations employ data mining to analyze operations, find trends in recorded information, and look for new opportunities. Libraries are no different. Librarians manage large stores of data--about collections and usage, for example--and they also want to analyze this data to serve their users better. Analysts use data mining to query a data…

Explores methods and costs of the retrospective conversion process, i.e., converting card catalog records into machine readable form to create an automated catalog. Data conversion standards, methods, search strategy, databases, verification and editing, costs, and products of conversion are noted. Thirty-two references are cited. (EJS)

Discusses the impact of local online databases on library reference services, including their integration with remote files such as Dialog, Orbit, and the Information Bank. Online catalog databases, multiple local databases (analytics for journal articles, indexes), and batch processing of data are noted. Six references are cited. (EJS)

Because the cost of computers has decreased significantly in the last few years and their capabilities have increased significantly, a minicomputer is proposed as the front end processor for an automated library system of a medium sized library. The local library processor is to be connected to a larger computer which hosts the data base and…

The results of the first attempt at a comprehensive survey to identify and document interlibrary cooperation activities in each of the 50 states and United States territories are reported. Compiled by the Interlibrary Cooperation Subcommittee of the Association of State Library Agencies, the report is arranged by state and territory. It contains…

The arrangement of this publication follows, as nearly as possible, the actual conference program. The seven sections represent the topics selected by the planning committee as areas of concentration. Each section includes a state-of-the-art paper and related talks and discussion. The topics covered are: the library of the future, file…

A design for a nationwide system of library statistics is provided along with specific recommendations for its structure and development. The proposed system depends upon a much more active role of the states and upon the input of research, interaction of advisory groups, inservice training, and relatively small amounts of money at strategic…

The Library of Congress presents the history of its Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) system. Descriptions of MARC pilot projects and distribution services are followed by a discussion of several conversion projects undertaken by libraries in order to implement MARC. Then MARC's influence on standardization of formats for information interchange,…

In its second year of activity, the Northeast Academic Science Information Center (NASIC) program of the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) has assisted 18 universities and colleges in the Northeast in the implementation of local capabilities to provide computer-based reference services. Working through the libraries at these…

At the first Transborder Library Forum in 1991, 132 librarians from the United States and Mexico gathered to get to know one another, discuss issues of common interest, and begin to build an international network. Conference materials are provided in both English and Spanish. Keynote addresses were delivered by Alberto Alvaro Rios and Jesus Lau.…