Review of the 1991 literature on descriptive cataloging discusses objectives and foundations of cataloging; cataloging simplification; three levels of standards for record content; cataloging techniques, including authority work, provision of main entry, transliteration, formation of name headings, and automation; procedures related to record…

Discusses the impact of new technologies on library operations and management, and the need for librarians to understand how to manage technology and utilize it to improve library services. The areas which library education should address to prepare librarians to deal effectively with new technologies are outlined. (CLB)

Reviews the ways in which technical processing personnel enable libraries to provide fast and accurate access to information, and discusses the impact of technological change on the role and duties of technical processing personnel, the nature of library service, and existing organizational structures. (CLB)

Bibliographic utilities are marketing specially designed hardware and software that permit libraries to patch together automated cataloging, acquisitions, serials control, reference, online public catalogs, circulation, interlibrary loan, and administrative functions. The increasing complexity of the technology is making it more difficult to…

Two articles discuss Chinese libraries and materials: one reviews the role of bibliographic utilities in the bibliographic control of Chinese language materials in U.S. libraries, and one examines characteristics of administration in academic libraries in China from both historical perspective and current practice. (64 references) (LRW)

This project examined a series of alternative policies for the management and funding of university libraries as they adopt and adapt to various information science technologies to accomplish the functions of acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference services. Comparative case studies were completed at the University of Chicago,…

Three papers are compiled here for research library directors: (1) "Background: Open Systems Interconnection," in which David F. Bishop provides fundamental background information to explain the concept of the emerging technology of linked systems and open systems interconnection--i.e., an agreed upon standard set of conventions or rules…

Discusses the concept of a virtual library. Current systems are described, as well as pilot projects; administrative concerns are addressed, including cooperative collection development and networking; work of the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) is discussed; and the National Research and Education Network (NREN) is described. (17…

Four articles discuss pre-order and pre-cataloging searching in libraries that have implemented the Northwestern Online Total Integrated System (NOTIS). The discussions cover the impact of integration on the workflow and organization of library technical services departments. (CLB)

This study is based on a survey of a sample of 162 academic libraries holding between 90,000 and 500,000 volumes. The report begins by comparing various characteristics of the libraries to arrive at a profile of an average sample library in terms of volumes, enrollment, volumes per student, budget, expenditures per student, salaries as percent of…