As a concept, the next-generation catalog (NGC) is not new to librarians, who have been wishing for better OPAC interfaces for their integrated library systems (ILSs). The NGC has been the focus of discussion for more than 5 years now, from the 2006 report of the implementation of Endeca at North Carolina State University, to Marshall Breeding's…

At the end of 2007, SirsiDynix introduced the first version of Symphony, its new flagship Integrated Library System (ILS). This article begins with a look at the evolution of Symphony, user reactions to Symphony, and Symphony's design and functionality. The authors, along with a team of librarians from various functional areas, have completed…

This article outlines a pilot project to offer a personalized online library service to Open University MBA alumni. A review of the literature and results of a desktop analysis of other UK Higher Education alumni library services are included. Content procurement and systems issues are considered along with the underlying organizational, resource…

Describes history, operating procedures, and current activities of group of users of the University of Toronto Library Automation System (UTLAS) who cooperated with each other, the bibliographic utility, and the National Library of Canada to produce an automated authority control system, termed Shared Authority File (SHARAF). Five references are…

Describes the use of the Guelph Document System (CODOC) as a vehicle for handling the University of Guelph's archival collection, noting difficulties that were encountered, as well as advantages. Two references are cited. (CHC)

Provides a brief introduction to computer applications in information organizations in China. Highlights include information retrieval (personnel, equipment, bibliographic databases, information retrieval programs and systems, service status); library management; and Chinese character processing (code method, character root method). History,…

Describes the preparation for conversion, the implementation of the Guelph Documents System (CODOC) to organize and retrieve government documents, and the resulting benefits in the Guelph Public Library. Eight references are cited. (CHC)

Discusses the results of a 1979 survey of Canadian libraries in postsecondary education to determine the extent to which library automation is being used. (CHC)

The creation of Japan/MARC--a system employing Kanji script (Chinese characters as adopted by the Japanese)--as the online database for Japanese bibliographic records marks a significant development in the availability of the Japanese national bibliography and should give stimulus to other countries using Chinese as a predominant language.…

A survey of 22 London libraries was conducted to determine the characteristics and extent of library automation in the area; the results of this survey are presented in a series of tables. Questions are grouped by general topics--computer facilities, cataloging, circulation control, staffing, and objectives--and each set of tables is introduced by…

Currently being developed by the State Library of Queensland, Australia, ORACLE (On-Line Retrieval of Acquisitions, Cataloguing, and Circulation Details for Library Enquiries) is a computerized library system designed to provide rapid processing of library materials in a multi-user environment. It is based on the Australian MARC format and fully…

Describes a project to convert and make available current MARC records in a local online file. The procedure described involves obtaining records from the National Library's Canadian MARC Record Distribution Service, Mounting the Records on DOBIS, and transferring them for ordering and cataloging purposes. (CLB)

This paper discusses the current resurgence of interest in authority files and describes the automated authority files of the National Library of Canada. Factors contributing to this interest in such files include cooperative programs between libraries, the development of international standards, and the impact of computer technology and…

The work of the Committee on the use of automation in Swedish research libraries has differed from that of a normal study group by virtue of its heavy concentration on the practical aspects of library catalog work, the present status of which is the main theme of this report. The model presented implies total and simultaneous integration of all…

Discusses use of microcomputer hardware and software, telecommunications methods, and advanced library methods to create a specialized information center's database of literature relating to farm machinery and food processing. Systems and services (electronic messaging, serials control, database creation, cataloging, collections, circulation,…