Twenty-nine questions to be asked before deciding on a book catalog are presented with comments based on the experience of the Baltimore County Public Library. The assumption made throughout this paper is that the work will be done by computer. (Author/NH)

This paper reports a study of computer filing which utilizes the arranging possibilities of the computer and of careful format design to considerable advantage. (Author/NH)

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)

Discusses the reasons and methods for retrospective conversion of library catalog data into machine-readable form. The need for standards is emphasized and suggestions are given for documenting local standards. Ideas are included for completing the conversion of a project done by a vendor, where some parts may have been overlooked. (Author/EM)

This description of the functional characteristics of 20 online public catalogs in libraries in the United States notes their origin and scope, search methods, access points, search commands, record displays, user assistance, database and technical characteristics, and costs. Six references and illustrative material are provided. (EJS)

Reviews research published between 1988 and 1991 in technical services in the areas of acquisitions, including automation, costs, and vendor analysis; authority control; automation; cataloging, including costs and time analysis, rules and theory, expert systems, online catalogs, and shared cataloging; classification; preservation; serials; subject…

The impact of a bibliographic retrieval/card production system, such as the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), on the cataloging procedures of the large academic library is examined. (11 references) (Author/RS)

Discussion of integrated library systems focuses on the development of the Ohio Library and Information Network (OhioLINK). Capabilities of eight existing systems are described, including catalog creation and maintenance; the online public access catalog (OPAC); circulation, interlibrary loan, and document delivery; acquisitions and serials…

The conversion of catalog records to machine-readable form is described. The conversion system is outlined. Conversion costs and actual and contemplated results are listed. (Author/NH)

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 serials book catalog at the Iowa State University Library, one which provides access points generated automatically from the central serials database by a unique, locally written computer program. (FM)

Describes a study that examined the occurrence of untraced references in general explanatory see references, see also references, and scope notes in the machine readable Library of Congress Subject Headings. The discussion covers the effort required to review these fields, delete unposted references and tracings, and substitute posted ones in…

Reviews significant articles on various aspects of serials work appearing during 1988. Discussion of the articles is organized by the following topics: pricing; union listing and the holdings standard; serials cataloging; automated systems; electronic developments; publishing; subscription agents; collection management; developments outside the…

Examines the problem resolution phase of a retrospective conversion project of monographic records at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (UMass). The kinds of problems encountered are categorized and discussed. Suggestions for developing editing guidelines are offered, and the guidelines developed for standardization of problem resolution at…