Identifies the ability and potential for networking among libraries using the packaged "circulation systems" of various vendors. Cooperation and involvement of system vendors, librarians, bibliographic networks, and service bureaus are needed to ensure maximum benefit from these systems. (CWM)

Examines the development of the microcomputer and focuses on its potential for library automation. The characteristics of microcomputers and minicomputers are contrasted and a selected annotated bibliography includes a list of specialty magazines on microcomputers. (RAA)

Describes the Library Computer System, an online circulation system used in 22 Illinois libraries, that features complete holdings and circulation status information for serials and monographs. Problems in the network environment, plans for modification, and reasons why the system works are identified. References and two additional readings are…

This 62-item bibliography lists library journal articles published in the 1980s which provide an overview of what is happening in the world of bibliographic utilities, i.e., organizations that maintain large online bibliographic databases and provide products and services related to these bases and to its members. Subdivision within bibliography…

Article considers the problems and function of the university library system as it attempts to serve the information needs of the academic community. (RK)

This examination of the feasibility of implementing an automated circulation system within San Mateo County's Peninsula Library System (PLS) was undertaken to determine if the system should automate material circulation systemwide in order to reduce operating costs while improving circulation procedures and increasing patron access to system…

Described in this report are the results of a survey of 27 libraries which had in operation 40 mechanized systems for acquisition, cataloging and circulation control. The libraries were selected on the basis of advanced performance in the state of the art of library automation. The overall trends show libraries increasing their use of on-line…

Northwestern University Library's locally developed automated support system, NOTIS, operational since 1970-71, is described in terms of its technical services aspects. Internal applications and relevance to projected national networking developments are considered. (Author)

Drawn from the 15th Annual Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing, held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the nine papers presented in this volume deal with problems--or, in some cases, downright failures--in the automation of various facets of library service. They range from a general survey of failures or limitations…

Relatively recent developments, ranging from microfilm catalogs to networked circulation systems, have the potential of removing much of the uncertainty from the routing of interlibrary loan requests. The opportunity of purchasing location and availability information changes the performance of a model interlibrary loan network. Data collected in…

A six-month study was conducted to determine the library automation system requirements of the North Bay Cooperative Library System in Northern California. Six areas of possible automation were identified: (1) circulation; (2) interlibrary loan; (3) acquisitions; (4) physical processing and cataloging; (5) union catalog; and (6) film booking. Six…

Background information about Peninsula Library Automated Network member libraries and description of the circulation system of choice include basic components of this cooperative effort: Joint Powers Agreement and organizational structure; jurisdiction responsibilities and financial planning; database and policy areas requiring joint decision;…

Describes the development of telephone communications links between automated circulation systems in six public library systems in the state of Maryland, and discusses the implications of such links for interlibrary loan programs. (JL)

An outline for librarians who want to cooperatively plan to implement a shared circulation system, this guide employs a method of planning based on policy analysis. The stages of problem formulation, identification of objectives, perceptual activity, system design, information gathering, and evaluation are outlined. Although this guide contains…

There has long been a need for closer communication among Iowa libraries, particularly among the ten regional centers developed under the Iowa State Plan of Library Development. A method of fast written communication among certain key libraries, formed into an operating system, would provide a means of developing all the libraries in the state…