This report on the microcomputer-to-mainframe link highlights advantages and weaknesses of each system when used independently; technical considerations for link (personal computer emulates a dumb terminal, data transfer, selective data access category, nongeneric links); how librarians can use the link; availability of software; and planning for…

Three papers set the framework for a 1982 program session on document delivery organized by the Library of Congress Network Advisory Committee. Following a list of committee members, the first paper, by James L. Wood describes: (1) dimensions of document delivery activity in the United States including statistics on borrowing and lending…

Report on developments in the retrospective conversion of manual library files to machine-readable form discusses planning and decision making; accommodating full records; conforming to standards; creating bibliographic records; sources of retrospective conversion support (bibliographic utilities, stand-alone systems); use of microcomputers;…

A simplified account of an extensive library automation and networking project that the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation initiated and funded in the Czech and Slovak republics is provided in this paper. The proposal to establish "The Czech and Slovak Library Information Network" (CASLIN) commenced in January 1993. Storage, document…

Describes the current state of automation at academic libraries, outlines issues that face library planners today, and emphasizes the use of technologies such as nationwide computer networks to improve access to information. The University of California's MELVYL system is described, and the use of online catalogs is discussed. (LRW)

This comparative study of three major online bibliographic systems is designed to provide assistance to library administrators in the assessment of the potential impact of such systems upon the operations of their libraries. A side by side arrangement of the text allows an overview of any specific characteristic under consideration. These…

The second draft of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) report proposes a national program to offer the most information service to the greatest number of people. Current status and problems in all kinds of libraries are reviewed, including: distribution of resources; uneven access to information; the influence of…

The Southwestern Library Interstate Cooperative Endeavor (SLICE) project was an "experimental effort to determine the feasibility of a multi-state library coordination agency" involving the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The success or failure of the project's specific objectives are outlined in…

Reports on a postconference workshop on virtual libraries that was presented at the third annual Computers in Libraries Canada Conference. Highlights include networks; technological change; administrative issues, including organizational structure, staff training, strategic planning, and financial resources; a case study of the University of…

Many futurists envision that the development of information technology will greatly impact the libraries of tomorrow. In response to this prediction, the Montgomery County (Maryland) Department of Public Libraries conducted a study of key trends and issues that the Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) must consider if they are to remain a…

Minutes from the 1985 Membership Meeting of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) include the full-text of the presented paper, "Proposal for a North American Program for Coordinated Retrospective Conversion," by Jutta Reed-Scott, and the comments of a six-member panel, made up of members of the ARL Committee on Bibliographic…

Discusses the planning process for migrating to a new library media center automation system, including identification of the need to migrate, solicitation of stakeholder support, enumeration of required attributes of a new system, writing the Request for Proposal (RFP), and maximizing vendor demonstrations. (MES)

This plan sets forth approaches for state-level assistance for Oklahoma libraries to exchange information and to share or acquire machine-readable information from public and private sources through telecommunications, as well as for access to these libraries for existing and future state informational databases. Objectives and requirements are…

"The Evolution of a School Library Network: Setting up a CD-ROM Local Area Network (LAN)" describes how to set up a CD-ROM LAN in a school library, including establishing a technology plan and choosing hardware, software, cabling, and staffing. A description of the Texas Education Network (TENET) and reviews of print and electronic…

As a part of the NASA sponsored program on the application of communication satellites to educational development, a study was made of the utilization of telecommunications by academic and school libraries in the United States and the potential for future utilization by these institutions. The five basic functions performed by all…