Describes features of the acquisitions subsystem of the online computer system introduced by the Washington Library Network and offered to all participants who use the subsystem and all interested vendors, noting equipment and programs used, and online ordering procedures available. (EJS)

Discussion of basic telecommunications concepts includes data terminal equipment, carrier equipment and data communications equipment. Guidelines offered for librarians planning the implementation of a telecommunications network address reliability and costs of equipment, requirements of the system, and ease of use of the system. (CLB)

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…

Describes and analyzes various methods of automated authority control currently available and suggests questions to ask when considering purchase of system. Highlights include manual versus automated authority control and levels of service in automated authority systems (network, vendor). Glossary of terminology and list of networks and vendors…

Describes how a public library consortium jettisoned the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and used library staff, with some assistance from consultants, to evaluate new automation systems based on software demonstrations and Requests for Quotations (RFQ). The RFQ and RFP processes are compared. A sidebar article describes the financing plan.…

Describes complementary characteristics of computing centers and libraries that could be combined to form the core of information support centers and discusses the possible impact on library processes and services. The use of telecommunications networks to reduce costs and increase efficiency in academic libraries is also examined. (CLB)