Libraries are evolving into learning laboratories or "libratories"--environments where a wide variety of learning activities and projects can take place. Part project space, part design studio, part community meeting and presentation space, and part research and development lab, libraries of the future will have a new alphabet of services--the new…

Current literature on libraries is abundant with articles about the uses and the potential of new interactive communication technology, including Web 2.0 tools. Recently, the advent and use of virtual worlds have received top billing in these works. Many library institutions are exploring these virtual environments; this exploration and the…

Libraries today face an increasing challenge: to provide relevant information to diverse populations with differing needs while competing with Web search engines like Google. In 2009, a large group of libraries, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, joined with Innovative Interfaces as development partners to design a new type of…

Discusses Web site design and provides a listing of Web sites for library automation vendors and other related resources. Each listing consists of the site's name, a brief summary of its resources, the URL, and a picture of the opening page of the site. (LRW)

Suggests that catalogs of the future, as facilitated by computer technology, should take on multiple formats. Three levels of varying form and size are envisioned for the needs and uses of the librarian, the general user, and the individual user. (Author/RAA)

This manual is intended primarily for libraries that wish to purchase a turnkey automated circulation system and online catalog, but lack the staff, time, and expertise to develop a set of specifications, or the money to hire consultants. Specifications are provided to assist in the selection from several options: (1) development of an in-house…

The online catalog discussed in this report extends the present microfiche union catalog development by providing online access to bibliographic records for the holdings of the University of California Libraries. The specifications for the user interface through which the library patron communicates with the online systems to locate materials are…

The principle of uniform headings was designed primarily for the card catalog. The computerized catalog presents other problems, and economic factors, the capacity of the catalog, and the user's approach should all be considered in determining the course of its development. (MBR)

Describes an online design featuring circulation control, catalog access, and serial holdings that uses an incremental approach to system development. Utilizing a dedicated computer, this second of three releases pays particular attention to present and predicted computing capabilities as well as trends in library automation. (Author/RAA)

Suggests that a less rigid traditional approach towards automating acquisitions functions might be more cost effective. Thorough investigation of available alternatives should precede a decision to adopt or maintain a local system. (Author/RAA)

This seminar and workbook are designed to aid librarians in planning and designing attractive and efficient libraries in light of the changing technologies of the 1980s. It is based on the premise that the electronic revolution of the 1980s will cause substantial changes in the work force, work processes, and the nature of physical layouts of…

Representatives of six vendors of online library systems address key issues related to system performance: designing, configuring and sizing systems; establishing performance criteria; using benchmark and acceptance tests; the risks of miscalculations; vendor, consultant, and library roles; and related topics. (Author/EM)

Five library consultants address issues that affect online system performance: options in system design that relate to diverse library requirements; criteria that most affect performance; benchmark tests and sizing criteria; minimalizing the risks of miscalculation; and the roles and responsibilities of vendors, libraries, and consultants.…

Presents the results of a survey of small and medium-sized academic libraries conducted to determine the features of an online catalog considered most important by academic librarians. The major requirements of an online catalog most commonly cited by the librarians are discussed and a ranked list of desirable features is included.

Designed to provide guidance in selecting appropriate software for library automation, information storage and retrieval, or management of bibliographic databases, this inventory describes 188 computer software packages. The information was obtained through a questionnaire survey of 600 software suppliers and developers who were asked to describe…