Prepared by the Statewide Automation Committee of the New York State Education Department, this plan outlines strategic directions for library automation development in New York, as supported by state and federal funds, through the year 1989. This plan comprises 20 recommendations for accomplishing a three-part automation program: (1) statewide…

Provides a retrospective review of a book published in 1962, "Advanced Data Processing in Libraries," by Schultheiss, Culbertson, and Heiliger, which was one of the first books to present a systematic view of library computerization. This review attempts to consider how accurate that view was. (Author/CLB)

This brief planning guide for library automation incorporates needs assessment and evaluation of options to meet those needs. A bibliography of materials on automation planning and software reviews, library software directories, and library automation journals is included. (CLB)

Six prominent consultants consider the technical dimensions of retrospective conversion, the appropriate standards to employ, the proper relationship of conversion activities to the entire automation project, and several options available for converting a bibliographic database into machine-readable format: online or batch shared cataloging…

This essay on the management of microcomputer use in organizations highlights problem areas associated with the central issue of control: acquisition of hardware and software, compatibility, security, data integrity, training, documentation, and the isolation factor. Establishment of a microcomputer information center for education, promotion,…

Suggests guidelines to be followed by library administrators and managers to deal effectively with changes caused by the introduction of automation or technology projects within a library. The need for planning is emphasized, staff participation is stressed, adequate training and preparation are discussed, and financial planning is considered.…

Designed to provide managers with a basic introduction to the planning components and procedures involved in planning for library automation, the overview provided here offers guidelines for eight documents that may be produced as part of such a study: (1) Automation Project Long Range Plan (60 Month Plan), an executive summary document providing…

Offers advice on the principles of successful fund raising, specifically addressing small libraries and fund raising for automation. The discussion covers the need for careful planning, identification of receptive funding sources, and clear communication of needs and objectives. A sidebar provides information on the Foundation Center, an…

Discusses the advantages of parallel processor computers in terms of expandibility, cost, performance and reliability, and suggests that such computers be used in library automation systems as a cost effective approach to planning for the growth of information services and computer applications. (CLB)

Undertaken at the request of the Ad Hoc Statewide Automation Committee, this report provides a common understanding for Maine librarians of current library networking and how it might apply to Maine. The current status of Maine libraries and their cooperative and automation activities is summarized; resource-sharing in other states is examined;…

The following papers were presented at a joint conference of the Colorado Library Association and the Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) in October 1986: (1) "Development of a Strategic Plan for the Harold B. Lee Library--A Model for Public Service" (Larry Ostler); (2) "The Library Committee in MPLA Libraries" (Ronald…

This paper examines the relocation of Athabasca University, an open-access, distance education institution, from Edmonton to Athabasca, Alberta, Canada, and the effect of that move on the library. Factors that helped make the move successful are discussed, including the 5-year institutional planning process; a government grant for the purchase of…

Designed as a supplement to the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Libraries' review of their current situation, this report presents an assessment of administrative support and staffing of the libraries in the LACCD, and offers recommendations for maintaining and improving their operations. Following introductory comments on the…

This two-page digest briefly outlines some of the technological trends in updating a library, and briefly discusses the administrative issues and strategies involved. It begins by describing the wholly integrated information environment, which would include: (1) public-access personal and professional communications networks; (2) information…

Explains the criteria by which 50 public libraries were chosen as outstanding, and reports the results of a survey of the directors which focused on major problems in libraries; desired goals in administration and technical and public services; predicted trends; stage of computerization; and sources of information and new ideas. (CLB)