These guidelines for upgrading a local online library system, cover: (1) technical considerations; (2) management issues; (3) planning, including profiling, data file conversion, consideration of add-on programs, and user interface; (4) training; and (5) the conversions process. A sidebar provides data about conversion at the Health Sciences…

Discusses rationale for operating an electronic bulletin board in an academic library setting and considerations for software and hardware selection. Experiences related to the operation of a bulletin board system at the University of Minnesota Library are summarized in the areas of goals and rationale, system selection, system configuration, and…

Discusses how strategic planning can help academic libraries integrate online systems for management of multiple fund accounts. Topics addressed include fiscal management goals and objectives; coordinating systems; the budget calendar; periodicals processing; and supplementary funds such as student fees, awards, legislative appropriations, and…

This report responds to a proposal for an internal audit of the library collection at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and describes various measures that University Library Services (ULS) has already implemented to automate the inventory process and improve security. Introductory materials provide an executive summary and background…

Reports planning for and the installation of about 80 microcomputers for staff use at approximately 50 library units in the University of Michigan Library System. Highlights include the selection of hardware and software; methods of staff training; integration of the microcomputers into library operations; and benefits of electronic messaging and…

Contributors from five libraries--Bentley College, Boston University, the College of Charleston, the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and the Resource Sharing Alliance of West Central Illinois--describe their automation projects, including staff impact; costs and funding; time and schedules; users; computer support; vendors; and consultants.…

The first of two articles on the acquisition and implementation of a large laserdisk service at Texas A&M University covers funding, donor recognition, selection and ordering of databases, planning and integrating the service with other information services, and future funding and plans. (5 references) (MES)

When a new library system, WestCat, was installed in the Western Michigan University Libraries (August 1998), an initiative was undertaken to announce its arrival, establish its identity, and train the university community in its use. To promote this initiative, two committees were broadly charged with the responsibilities of publicity and…

Summarizes the development of the Computer-Aided Reference Services (CARS) division of the University of Utah Libraries' reference department. Development, organizational structure, site selection, equipment, management, staffing and training considerations, promotion and marketing, budget and pricing, record keeping, statistics, and evaluation…

Discussion of human engineering factors of using online catalogs offers guidelines for selection and placement of terminals and furniture. (eight references) (MES)

As a part of the York University's academic planning process, the library staff prepared a list of possible alternatives for 26 library functions to be used as a basis for the development of a three to five year planning guide. Compiled over a period of two months, these represent a range from pie-in-the-sky to bare-boned or eliminated operations.…

A survey on the extent of library automation in academic libraries in Louisiana was undertaken to satisfy four objectives: (1) program planning for the library section of the 1980 Conference of Louisiana Colleges and Universities; (2) to provide information about library automation to the academic community; (3) planning assistance for the…

This report discusses the implementation of DOBIS, an online, integrated library system run on a shared-use mainframe computer, at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Library during 1984 and 1985. General information about BCIT, the library, and DOBIS is provided, and the project background is discussed. An overview of the…

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…

The Canadian and American academic library environments are remarkably similar. This factor is traceable to similarities between the nations themselves and their academic institutions. Both countries have experienced comparable shifts in governmental support and growth patterns in the academic library sector. This has led many to observe that…