For the last 58 years, automation has helped to enhance the library system; library operations such as circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, and serials have changed significantly due to technology. Circulation control is often the first activity a library considers automating. In addition to loan transactions, an automated circulation system can…

Highlighting the issues that confront small libraries who are exploring automation options, this report focuses on microcomputer-based automation systems for circulation and an online patron access catalog (OPAC). The information provided outlines some of the questions that librarians must ask themselves or vendors before they select a specific…

In late 1990 the University of Detroit consolidated with Mercy College of Detroit to form a new university. The current grant was awarded to fund network membership costs for the DALNET Detroit area library consortium, OPAC (online public access catalog), circulation, and serials implementation at the university's new nontraditional adult student…

This report contains statistical information on Kentucky public libraries for fiscal year 1997-1998 taken from the Annual Report of Public Libraries. The report is separated into seven sections: summary of library statistics for the most recent year (1998) and comparisons with the three prior years; graphs showing statistical trends in library…

The use of information regarding the ages of library items is a standard component of many approaches to weeding library collections, and has a long history in the literature of collection management. Current and past approaches to using aging information to make weeding decisions make use of very arbitrary decision criteria. This study examined…

Discussion of the need for automated library systems to provide management information to aid in decision making focuses on the automatic generation of reports. Examples of management information generated in collection development, acquisitions and serials, cataloging, online catalogs and circulation are described as well as possible uses of this…

Describes the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Library of Congress for an integrated library system to help in the areas of inventory control, acquisitions, binding, cataloging, circulation, collection development, online catalogs, preservation, serials management, production of products, and the computer year 2000 problem. (LRW)

Concludes from a review of 52 journal articles published in 1988 that periodic literature searches in circulation control are useful for identifying major trends, issues, and areas needing more serious study, and provide a basis for prediction. The issues discussed in the 1988 literature are summarized and areas for future study are suggested.…

Identifies major problems that affect reader's services departments in Nigerian university libraries. Highlights include the functions of the reader's services department, including circulation, collection management, user education, and interlibrary loan; student population explosion; funding shortages; staffing shortages; and suggested…

This notebook presents ideas for and readings about producing a well-organized and efficient school library program. The notebook is divided into 15 major sections, each of which begins with an overview of the topic, continues with practical discussions of different aspects of the topic, and is followed by background readings consisting of new…

Describes methodology for analyzing MARC (machine-readable cataloging) records of highly circulating titles to document common characteristics for collection development purposes. Application of the methodology in a university library is discussed, and data are presented on commonality of subject heading, author, language, and imprint date for…

Describes a study of the use of a computerized circulation system in a middle school media center which gathered quantitative data about collection composition and age, and measured materials use. Ways in which circulation analysis can fit among other collection analysis and development methods are discussed, and unique considerations for school…

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…

Data from a computerized circulation system were used to analyze usage patterns of a middle school library (grades 6-8) and to suggest ways the available data may be interpreted and used to decide upon future collection management and acquisition policies. Tables show composition and use of the various ranges in the collection. (14 references)…

Discusses converting a school library into an integrated, effective technology center, including planning for library automation; evaluating the current collection; CD-ROM purchasing decisions; and online catalog and circulation systems. A sidebar considers the politics of automation, including staff, administration, and school boards. (LRW)