Based on a survey of vendors of automated library systems, data for 1991 are presented on market share, software-only sales, public and academic library installations, sizes of system installations, system interfaces, hardware availability, and operating systems. Profiles of 29 vendors and a directory of sources are included. A sidebar discusses…

Argues that the key reason for using the services of a library automation consultant is to obtain expertise not available in the library staff, and that the library must continuously evaluate the consulting process and provide feedback to the consultant. Related insights and perspectives of both librarians and library system vendors are provided.…

Argues that training for automated library systems is an ongoing process which does not stop once the system is operational. Some problems that can be alleviated through ongoing training are examined, including the addition of new employees and/or new systems software and functions. (nine references) (MAB)

Describes Microlif (Microcomputer Library Interchange Format), a standard data interchange format for bibliographic information on microcomputers. Discussion includes reasons for Microlif development, differences from full MARC format, and development of the new USMARC (Microlif protocol). Members of the Microlif community are listed, and the…

Provides a list of companies that offer commercial library software and describes the systems and tools they offer. Integrated library systems, networking systems, bibliographic software, and other library applications are included. (LRW)

Provides an update to the list of companies that offer commercial library software and describes the systems and tools they offer. Integrated library systems, networking systems, bibliographic software, and other library applications are included. (LRW)

Summarizes responses from an international survey of automated library system vendors who offer integrated, multi-user, multi-function systems running on mainframes, minis, and micros using multi-user operating systems. Companies were questioned about their computer systems, products, customers, staff, and sales figures. A comparative analysis of…

Describes the development of the GALAXY Integrated Library System by Gaylord Information Systems. Topics addressed include the library automation business; industry trends, both long-term and short-term; a history of Gaylord's automation ventures; Gaylord's vision of the future; and perspectives from two GALAXY users. (LRW)

Presents results of a survey of 30 library systems vendors to examine how successfully they met the key challenges of 1997: integration, testing, and marketing a new generation of systems. Character-based systems, the Dublin Core, Java, and the Z39.50 standard are discussed. Profiles describing sales and product developments for each of the…

Discussion of methodologies for libraries to use when selecting an integrated library system focuses on the benefits of using a Request for Proposal (RFP), based on experiences at the University of Rochester. A copy of the system vision statement which describes the purpose of the RFP is appended. (LRW)

Describes how librarians coped in temporary quarters in a warehouse and with a drastically reduced circulating and reference collection when Great Basin College's library closed temporarily due to renovation. Discusses how the experience led to innovations in the integration of electronic databases into the renovated library. (VWC)

This introduction to a new column on small automated library systems presents the author's credentials and discusses the topics to be considered, including automation needs of smaller libraries, microcomputer-based systems, network access, implications of automation for administration and staffing, and automation-related problems. (EA)

The first of two articles addresses the problems of automated bibliographic control of bound withs--i.e., books or pamphlets published separately and subsequently bound together--in a library collection, and explains a solution devised by Innovative Interfaces. The second article reports on beta testing of KeyNOTIS, a turnkey library automation…

Presents 1992 sales of microcomputer systems by vendor. Customer support services, a new interchange format for MARC records, vendor market share and other statistics, foreign sales, and large and small systems are discussed. Profiles of 14 vendors, a chart of compatible system interfaces by vendor, and a directory of microcomputers sources are…

New alternative models for selecting automated systems emphasize uniqueness of each institution, involve more staff, and do not rely on requests for proposals (RFPs). Vendor demonstrations are extremely important in the evaluation of system capabilities when RFPs are not used, and scripts prepared by institutions ensure that vendors focus on…