Deciding whether to go with a particular open source product is an exercise in risk management: understanding the risks of one's possible actions and choices, calculating when a certain level of risk is appropriate to reach a desired outcome, and planning for how to handle negative outcomes. To be sure, opting to go with a particular proprietary…

Examines options for buying microcomputers (the manufacturer or his/her representative, computer stores, general retail stores, mail order, system integrators, traditional vendors, second-hand). Three major factors are considered: support before sale; price/cost; and support after sale. Advantages and disadvantages of each option and…

Deals with certain of the more persistent and alluring artifices in the micrographic field over the past two decades. (Author)

A short history of mechanization. (Author)

This annual feature provides information about products and services for libraries from nearly 440 companies. Access is provided by an alphabetical list of products or services, by an alphabetical listing of suppliers, and by a listing of suppliers by state. (LRW)

(44 references)

This buyer's guide for librarians lists associations, architects, companies (including contact information and Web sites), products, services, magazines, and materials that are geared toward libraries. (LRW)

Discusses library facilities and equipment in metric measurements. (JG)

Provides access to library supplier information through The Product Directory and The Directory of Suppliers. (EJS)

Describes automated storage and retrieval (AS/R) techniques and discusses benefits, conservation considerations, and costs of the AS/R approach to the storage of library books. Thirteen annotated references are listed. (MES)

In spite of careful selection of a furnishings contractor, a library may find itself with an empty building as dedication day approaches. What can be done to prevent this from happening and what can be done if precautions fail are discussed. (DH)

This issue provides information on products and services for libraries from companies in North America, including a directory of products and services; a directory of suppliers; a shop-at-home supplier locator, organized by state or region; and a manufacturer's catalog and product showcase of paid advertisements. (LRW)

Addresses problems encountered by a library when considering, selecting, and contracting for an automated library system. Topics covered include information needed by the vendor (size of database, volume of transactions, and acceptable response times), reasons why libraries and vendors have failed, and possible solutions. Six sources are given.…

Discusses the 10 questions most frequently asked concerning the installation of public library online services. Equipment considerations (choice of equipment, maintenance arrangements, baud rate), choice of databases and vendors, budgets, fees, training, elimination of printed tools, and promotion of the service are covered. (EJS)

Sprucing up the microform reading area, with attention given to the human and environmental aspects discussed here, will contribute to changing users' attitudes from negative to positive regarding this format. (Author)