In this column, the author relates his experiences in the use of library technology over his 20-year career at Vanderbilt University. He describes how computers in libraries have transformed almost every aspect of how the library provides its services and performs its work behind the scenes. In addition, the author shares a few successful…

Virtual reference services seem a natural extension of libraries digital collections and the emphasis on access to the library anytime, anywhere. If patrons use the library from home, it makes sense to provide them with person-to-person online reference. The Library of Congress (LC), OCLC, and several large library systems have developed and…

In this article, the author describes what components should be included in a comprehensive policy for public wireless usage in a library. He lists four basic steps, which include: (1) Introduce the service; (2) List the technical requirements; (3) Spell out disclaimers on access, assistance, and liability; and (4) Alert users to security concerns.

The Information Center (IC) evolved to take control of technology, to integrate the library's growing collection of networked resources with its service mission, to build a team of personnel committed to the success of the IC, and to integrate assessment into the cycle of change at the Mansfield Library.

In an age of experimentation, library users from Cerritos, California, to Salt Lake City to Seattle are experiencing public libraries the likes of which they have never before seen. While the 1990s may be remembered as the era of the anchor facility, when libraries were called upon to define and support a community's renaissance, this decade's…

Sooner Xpress service arose out of a need to improve and expand services for library users at the University of Oklahoma. After several years of service for our distance education students, a decision was made to expand those services to include all campus and local users in an effort to streamline retrieval services in the library. Both…

The Arts Libraries Society of Australia and New Zealand (Arlis/ANZ) recently implemented a new web presence. More than just a website, it was envisaged as a web "identity", a virtual clubhouse where the Society could conduct its "virtual business" and where members could "meet" and contribute to the activities of…

Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) is proposed as a means of expanding and improving library services in Nigeria. (PF)

This task force report on current and anticipated needs relating to the use of microcomputers in libraries on the University of California, Berkeley, campus is intended to serve as a fundamental document, the basis for future discussion, planning, and development. The task force divided into two groups to consider the issues of staff use of…

An experiment in manipulating machine-readable library records for use in subject searching indicated that such programs would be useful to extend service outside a single library location. (Author/PF)

This booklet, one of a series of background papers for the White House Conference, explores the potential of new technologies to improve library services while reducing library costs. Separate subsections describe the application of technology to the following library functions: acquisitions, catalogs and cataloging, serials control, circulation…

This is a feasibility study of a communications system for Wyoming libraries with recommendations for its installation. The basic recommendation calls upon the Wyoming State Library to undertake a demonstration project in rapid interlibrary communications, using teletype (TWX) facilities between selected libraries for a period commencing as soon…

This evaluation, prepared by the staff of the Bureau of Academic and Research Libraries of the Division of Library Development of the New York State Library, analyzes the New York State Interlibrary Loan (NYSILL) system's performance in 1969, It reports on a detailed review of the whole NYSILL system as well as the two regional systems within it.…

The recommendations of this study are: (1) The western provinces of Canada should move toward making available to the university libraries of the region, the prospective benefits of a magasystem organization during the next ten years. (2) There is no present need or justification for mounting an immediate crash program to create the computer-based…

The feasibility of undertaking a major university-wide library systems development program for the University of California libraries was studied from July 1970 to March 1971. The findings indicate that such a program can provide significantly improved library services while at the same time offering long term fiscal advantages to the University…