This article presents the results of a comprehensive survey of integrated library system (ILS) vendors conducted by the author and commissioned by "Computers in Libraries" CIL. The survey was intended to: (1) provide an up-to-date comparison of functionality currently available in ILS products; (2) provide a comparison of support services…

The new Fac-Back-OPAC (a faceted backup OPAC) is built on code that was originally developed by Casey Durfee in February 2007. It represents the convergence of two prominent trends in library tools: the decoupling of discovery tools from the traditional integrated library system (ILS) and the use of readily available open source components to…

Over the next several decades, libraries will face the potential loss of all the e-journals, ebooks, electronic theses, local digital collections, and other "e-stuff" curated for the public good. A solution to this problem is LOCKSS ("Lots of Copies Keep Stuff Safe"), a free, open-source digital-preservation software from Stanford University that…

This book is for community leaders, librarians, library committees, volunteers, aid workers and others who are interested in the practical aspect of starting and maintaining a successful library. Throughout the developing world, countless dedicated people respond to the pressing need for information in their communities by helping to start a…

This article discusses some of the premigration tasks at Minnesota State Mankato in preparation for migration to a new integrated library system, ALEPH. The authors describe the review of circulation policies to make sure that only relevant, current data and practices were carried over. There is emphasis on the need for ongoing review of policies…

In August 2007, an $11.2 million proposal for a shared statewide high-density storage facility was submitted to the Board of Governors, the governing body of the State University System in Florida. The project was subsequently approved at a slightly lower level and funding was delayed until 2010/2011. The experiences of coordinating data…

The St. Lucie West Library, also known as the FAU Treasure Coast Campus Library, is a joint-use library facility, with Florida Atlantic University partnering with Indian River Community College and the St. Lucie County (FL) Library System. This article will discuss the circulation, course reserves, interlibrary loan, and collection management…

The objectives of the Washington Library Network (WLN) are 1) statewide sharing of resources among all types of libraries, 2) economically meeting the information demands of all citizens of the state, and 3) centralized computer-communication systems for bibliographic services. (Author)

Defines a network and discusses some of the characteristics of existing networks. (PF)

A personal evaluation of OCLC's overall impact and performance, from a managerial viewpoint, with special suggestions for handling current problems, especially governance. (Author/KP)

This document presents a current strategic business plan for the implementation of digital systems and services for the free national library program operated by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, its network of cooperating regional and local libraries, and the United States Postal Service.…

The challenge and opportunity for state libraries to participate in library networks are here, yet state libraries are little known to users, the majority of librarians and the general public. (AB)

Purpose: To describe the development of the library management system, e-Granthalaya, for public libraries in India. This is an initiative of the Indian government's National Informatics Centre (NIC). The paper outlines the challenges and the potential of a full-scale deployment of this software at a national level. Design/methodology/approach:…

A brief overview of elements that seem to juxtapose metropolitan librarianship and library cooperation. (Author)

This second annual commemoration of the chartering of the North Suburban Library System (NSLS) consists of a speech entitled: "The Suburban System in Metropolitan Library Networks," given by Lowell A. Martin, Professor, School of Library Science, Columbia University and the "Reaction to Dr. Martin's Speech" is by H. G.…