When staff at the Wisconsin State Law Library began compiling a wish list for a new website, the topic of a new domain name came up almost immediately. Their old website was located at http://wsll.state.wi.us. Spelling that relatively complex domain over the phone day after day provided the impetus to explore other options. Whatever domain name…

In response to the rapid development of digital libraries over the past decade, researchers have focused on the use of metadata as an effective means to support resource discovery within online repositories. With the increasing involvement of libraries in digitization projects and the growing number of institutional repositories, it is anticipated…

In October 2009, California Digital Library (CDL), where the author serves as manager of strategic and project planning, jumped into the world of social networking by joining Twitter. From Twitter, the CDL staff publish the content of their monthly newsletter, "CDLINFO News," and also additional content created by CDL programs and…

With changing user expectations, many libraries are moving toward digital content. Accessible from anywhere at any time, digital content provides users with efficient, on-demand information experiences. Accordingly, librarians are presented with challenges and opportunities to build, manage, and implement outreach strategies that promote their…

Presents program guidelines for training library staff in the operation and use of automated library circulation systems. Advice is given on the qualificatons of the training coordinator, levels of training, training and training aids, vendor responsibilities and time frame. (RAA)

Suggests that inexperienced buyers inform themselves and seek expert advice before making decisions to buy some of the more complex and costly computer-based library systems being offered. General guidelines are presented for selecting a system and for using consultants. Considered also are the mutual needs of librarians and vendors. (JPF)

Presents suggestions for reducing labor costs, improving accuracy, and maximizing computer use when converting circulation system bibliographic files. Planning advice is offered for system integration with regional, state, or national systems. (RAA)

Describes unethical practices in library automation, including vendors'"low-balling" bids in order to make sales; libraries' stating required specifications so that only one vendor can qualify; and consultants compromising their objectivity and independence. Procedures to help identify and prevent such practices in the future are…

Presents a practical guide for the implementation of a turnkey circulation system for those contemplating purchase of an online system. Included is advice on staff planning and bibliographic and patron file conversion. Weaknesses and strengths of the automated system are summarized. (Author/RAA)

Based on a directive from the National Advisory Board of Canada, this paper provides a set of definitions and guidelines which Canadian libraries may choose to use in negotiating their contracts with database suppliers, vendors, and other information and bibliographic services. The report is intended to: (1) provide a basis for understanding and…

Interrelated reasons for the Library of Congress postponing adoption of AACR 2 are discussed, and ten suggestions are given which could facilitate the transition to alternative forms of library catalogs. A glossary of contemporary cataloging terms is included. (JPF)

Covers some general developments in circulation technology, vendor and network approaches to circulation, problem areas, and some hints on system procurement. (Author)

Responses to librarians' questions about library microcomputers cover simple applications to be used by staff with little experience, minimizing risk factor, choosing a microcomputer, hardware obsolescence, uses of mainframes and minicomputers, capacity planning for microcomputers, security of library's data, copyrighted software, and future use…

This paper outlines the procedures used to implement and test the CARL version C100 circulation system at the University of Colorado's Boulder Campus. Intended to serve as a guide to other libraries implementing new circulation software, the paper describes a broad approach to testing such software, describes procedures that speed and organize the…

This brief planning guide for library automation incorporates needs assessment and evaluation of options to meet those needs. A bibliography of materials on automation planning and software reviews, library software directories, and library automation journals is included. (CLB)