The major objectives of the study were to produce a storage/transportation model which minimized (1) the cost of storage space for book materials, and (2) cost of transportation for book materials. In minimizing these costs, they are considered in relation to the time required to provide service. The data used in the study include land and…

This paper describes a decision making framework for library networking which can be used by individual libraries, groups of cooperating libraries, or centralized services to evaluate current operations and define alternative approaches to automation and networking. It is noted that networking has not yet achieved its full potential because of a…

Overview of activities and issues that face library administrators considering automation emphasizes acquisition of turnkey systems. Discussion covers reasons for automating, options available, major marketplace issues, keys to a successful automation project, the Request for Information, the Request for Proposal, evaluation techniques, the…

Outlines the perspective within which the multimedia librarian must prepare for the future including future developments in networks, individualized information, increased computer use and cable television. (KP)

Describes framework for library networking which consists of six interdependent dimensions to be used for decision making by libraries: functions to be performed, type of access information, types of materials, products and services, networking configurations, and communications means. Use of a series of cost models describing activities within…

Library usage study of OCLC network-provided software and services indicates most users make local modifications to standard practices. Findings are discussed in terms of network models for decision making in software use; methodology of software user studies; and diffusion of innovation processes in postimplementation stages of transaction…

These four papers presented at the Polytechnic of Central London School of Management focus on the management of technical innovation in libraries as it affects decision making, library organization, non-systems staff, and interlibrary cooperation. Procedures for implementing automation in a library are outlined: a system analysis and costing of…

Describes MultiLIS, an integrated library system. Five sidebars discuss the State University of New York (SUNY) Library Automation Implementation Program, Frame Relay telecommunications technology, the Expert Choice Decision Support System, tools for enhancement of data quality in online catalogs, and library automation in the Saskatoon (Canada)…

Based on telephone interviews with 12 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries, this report presents the underlying reasons for the libraries' decisions relating to the design and implementation of automated library systems. The survey results are summarized, a list of respondents is provided, and profiles of present and planned…

Describes the selection of an automated library system for 11 university cluster libraries in Wisconsin, from the decision to automate and the development of a proposal request, through the selection process itself. Appendices include a chronology of events, participants in the process, a checklist of activities, and additional suggestions.…

Describes the formation of an automated School and Public Information Network (SPIN) in Grosse Pointe (Michigan) among the public libraries and public school libraries for the purpose of resource sharing. Topics discussed include management issues, organizational perspectives, management by committee, the importance of cooperation and…