This paper presents a novel approach to designing an online, open-source course in systems librarianship, an area of librarianship that may be perceived as complex and intimidating because of the technologies involved. The course design focuses on making systems librarianship more approachable for library and information science students who may…

Although self-checkout technology has been around for about 15 years, cashiers have not yet needed to worry about being rendered obsolete. Many stores have added self-checkout, but a clerk still has to be stationed in the area to help with problems. While self-check technology has improved immensely over the years, it still has not caught on to…

In 2007, "Library Journal" and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation named Hanover's Howe Library one of four "Best Small Libraries in America." Hanover is an affluent community with a long history of support for the public library. In fact, the town's taxpayers support two: Howe and Etna Library, a small, independent institution in the village of…

This report presents selected findings from the Public School Library Media Center Data File of the 2011-12 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). SASS is a nationally representative sample survey of public and private K-12 schools, principals, and teachers in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. School districts associated with public schools…

It is argued that the acceptance of library automation reflects a total lack of the critical evaluation that its expense would seem to require. (4 references) (Author/SJ)

Ellsworth Mason's two recently published papers, severely criticizing library automation, are refuted. While admitting to the failures and problems, this paper also presents the positive accomplishments in a brief evaluation of the status of library automation in 1971. (16 references) (Author/SJ)

How to best decide when it's time to replace your PC, whether at home or at work, is always tricky. Spending on computers can make you more productive, but it's money you otherwise cannot spend, invest or save, and faster systems always await you in the future. What is clear is that the computer industry really wants you to buy, and the computer…

Speculations about ways in which media centers will utilize computers in the future include applications for circulation, cataloging, reference, information retrieval, and computer controlled videodisc machines. (STS)

A method of developing computer catalogs is proposed which does not require unit card conversion but rather the accumulation of data from operating programs. It is proposed that the bibliographic and finding functions of the catalog be separated, with the latter being the first automated. (8 references) (Author)

With many variations of computerized systems operating, the librarian considering automation for the first time is understandably perplexed. This article will not provide all the answers, but is an attempt to give the uninitiated a better understanding of the problems involved. (6 references) (Author)

A computer circulation control system provides do-it-yourself charge-outs at Northwestern's library to ease the paperwork burden and maintain management controls. (Author)

Reviews some of the uses of computers in libraries and encourages librarians to learn to program in COMIT or SNOBOL. (PF)

The lack of information on problems, mistakes and failures of electronic data processing in libraries is described. A brief annotated bibliography on the subject is presented. (SJ)

A consideration of the various possibilities which are available for improving library operations and collection control makes it plain that the response of the library community ought to be towards greater cooperation among library centers and more extensive standardization. (31 references) (Author)