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)

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…

Five prominent consultants--Richard Boss, Susan Baerg Epstein, Rob McGee, Joseph Matthews, James E. Rush--discuss the most common mistakes vendors make in implementing library automated systems. Suggestions are made for correcting basic problems relating to identification of library needs, communications, delivery dates, inadequate systems, and…

This report contains the conduct, methodology, and major findings of a survey of all the libraries in Missouri to assess their needs for a statewide database. The survey addresses the current state of automation, the functions that libraries would like to see a database perform, the materials to be included in the database, and the means of…

Several consultants address the development and use of RFPs (requests for proposals) in the library automation procurement process, including the cost of developing a request; the need to concentrate on overall goals, not just the document; and the usefulness of the request as one step in a broader planning process. (CLB)

Identifies questions that should be asked, problems that may arise, and sources of information for library media specialists choosing hard disk computer systems. (CLB)

Presents a multifaceted approach to identifying facility needs in academic libraries that applies different evaluation methods to different functional areas, defines problems from more than one viewpoint, and considers the interrelationships of various areas. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are discussed using examples from its…

Provides a general overview of library automation and a number of suggestions to assist in making decisions about automation in small academic libraries. Three areas of automation are discussed--reference service, circulation, and technical processes--with emphasis on the planning process, implementation, and evaluation. (CLB)

This report discusses the scope for and feasibility of introducing automated systems into the Botswana National Library Service (BNLS). The study was undertaken at the request of BNLS and was conducted by an outside consultant who interviewed staff, read internal documents and reports, and studied patterns of work. Topics of the report include:…

Based on the results of a June 1984 survey of 30 Association of Research Library (ARL) member libraries, this kit contains documents related to automation training programs for ARL library staff members. A summary of survey results indicates that few libraries performed formal needs assessments before embarking on programs related to automation…

This self-study by the University Libraries at the University of California, Riverside, involved the efforts of 35 staff members over a period of 11 months. Task forces were organized according to five issues: Role of the Library in the Future in Its Commitment to Public Services; Service Performance and Service Needs; Technology and Public…

Discusses issues that school librarians need to consider when updating and automating their libraries based on examples of experiences in several high schools. Topics addressed include planning; problems; needs assessment; software compatibility and selection; CD-ROMs; and training needs. (LRW)

Addresses the necessity of incorporating new computer technologies into school library resource centers and notes some administrative challenges. An extensive checklist is provided for assessing equipment and furniture needs, physical facilities, and rewiring needs. A glossary of 20 terms and 11 additional resources is included. (AEF)

Provides an overview of the basics of retrospective conversion and guidelines for the analysis of the collection, including its depth, age, and extent of foreign and nonprint materials. The use of accepted cataloging standards is advocated. (CLB)

This report reviews the eight-month process of planning for library automation undertaken by the Cleveland State University libraries late in 1984. Following an overview of the planning process, a listing of goals is presented, and six documents developed as a result of the process are provided. "Review of Current Systems" includes…