Narrates experiences at Randolph Macon College Library in instituting an online search service and offers suggestions to those considering starting service. Proposals, equipment, selecting vendors, search aids, training, planning, policy, promotion, population served, uses and effectiveness, impact on workload and interlibrary loan, and records…

This report pertains to a large research library beginning the change-over to shared cataloging by an on-line system, and the early stages of the implementation of computer techniques for part of the technical processes system of the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). (Author)

Presents a planning guide for implementation of online services at a public library, consisting of: (1) identification of public service goals and online reference objectives, (2) needs assessment, (3) manipulating the political environment, (4) project description, (5) time schedule, (6) preliminary budget, and (7) evaluation. (SW)

Intended to provide recommendations which will permit Wisconsin libraries to make more effective use of current automated systems, select the most appropriate new systems, and provide a basis for statewide library automation planning, this report describes the current and future use of automation technology in that state's libraries. Its four…

Describes the challenge to libraries involved in the development of online catalogs, discusses the revolutionary importance to librarianship of the online catalog, outlines the role of effective planning in implementing online catalogs, and projects some changes that will occur in libraries because of them. (JL)

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…

Presents a chronological overview of the initiation and operation of the State University of New York at Albany library's computer-based reference services, with a discussion of costs, planning, organizational, and managerial considerations. (Author/CWM)

Outlines the service rationale, software and technology considerations taken by the Pennsylvania State University library in planning towards online, real-time reference services and provides an overview of the planned pilot project. Discusses recent trends in academic electronic libraries, including providing value-added services to support…

This study focuses on the planning necessary to support library instruction for an online public access catalog in an academic library. The installation of an online catalog is viewed as an opportunity for librarians to teach effective use of the library catalog. The project report consists of a review of the literature pertaining to the…

Describes the introduction of an online searching service at the Phillips Memorial Library, Providence College (Rhode Island). Highlights include the acquisition of a microcomputer, vendor choice, cost considerations, setting up the workstation and establishing procedures, search sessions, and benefits to all elements of college community. Twelve…

Describes framework for library networking which consists of six interdependent dimensions to be used for decision making by libraries: functions to be performed, type of access information, types of materials, products and services, networking configurations, and communications means. Use of a series of cost models describing activities within…

Discusses the Request for Proposal (RFP) process (formal document asking vendors to submit proposal for system meeting specific needs of library) employed by Canadian libraries as major step in selection of online system. System selection, evaluation, and implementation, Request for Information, estimating costs, and contract negotiation are…

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…

Description of information services from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) highlights a new system for retrieving information from NLM's databases (GRATEFUL MED); a formal Regional Medical Library Network; DOCLINE; the Unified Medical Language System; and Integrated Academic Information Management Systems. Research and development and the…

Describes a library-subsidized walk-in service at Albert R. Mann Library, Cornell University, which provides computer-generated bibliographies to undergraduate students at very low cost. Undergraduate needs, models, planning the service (parameters, fees, database selection, promotion), an initial evaluation of the program, and modifications of…