Argues that the key reason for using the services of a library automation consultant is to obtain expertise not available in the library staff, and that the library must continuously evaluate the consulting process and provide feedback to the consultant. Related insights and perspectives of both librarians and library system vendors are provided.…

Provides an overview of CD-ROM networking technology in libraries. Six systems currently in operation are evaluated; operational experiences in libraries are discussed, including the need for user education; networking between CD-ROM networks and integrated library systems is described; and future possibilities are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

This workbook, meant to be used in a workshop, presents information on and guidelines for automating small libraries: (1) planning for automation; (2) automated system procurement and evaluation; (3) data conversion issues; (4) sample configuration worksheets; (5) sample configuration costs; (6) site preparation; (7) training; and (8) acceptance…

This paper begins with a discussion of information management as it pertains to the four operations of automated library systems (i.e., acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference). Library staff reactions to library automation change are summarized, including uncertainty, cynicism, and resignation or hope. Common pitfalls that interfere…

Basic options for the automation of management functions in the school library media center are the circulation system, the online catalog, the acquisitions system, and the serials check-in. In order to select the most appropriate system, library media specialists must: (1) research both the library's needs and the technologies available, and (2)…

This book offers advice and information to help librarians manage and interact with computer technology in their institutions. Chapters 1 and 2 provide a background in systems librarianship, outlining the skills that may be needed and defining the specialty. Chapters 3 and 4 show how traditional library skills such as the organization of knowledge…

This book is divided into two parts; the first part (chapters 1-4) discusses fundamental aspects of computing and related technologies, and the second part (chapters 5-8) covers library automation, systems, and services. The chapters are as follows: (1) Computer Hardware, including the central processor, input peripherals, output peripherals, and…

Provides an overview of developments in health sciences libraries leading to the virtual library. Highlights include online searching; integrated library systems; networked resources; the expansion of interlibrary loans and document delivery systems; the Integrated Academic Information Management System; and the role of the National Library of…

This document, like its predecessor, will serve as a blueprint for and a means of communication about statewide library automation. The original plan introduced the concept of the electronic doorway library as a way to explain the changes occurring in the delivery of library services. Through 14 assumptions, 32 recommendations, and implementation…

After noting that library processes are continually becoming more automated and that services are being introduced at an ever-increasing rate, this paper goes on to describe the composition and functions of Brigham Young University's Integrated Library System (ILS) Committee, which was established by the library administration to advise it on…

Reviews major trends affecting traditional interlibrary loan and document delivery, including rising prices, table of contents indexing services, fax technology, the Internet, interlibrary loan subsystems of bibliographic utilities, and integrated library systems with patron-initiated services. Two examples of the development of new document…

Describes the technical, political, economic, and cultural environments of library automation. A review is then presented of five books covering wide-ranging library automation themes, including practical experiences; planning second-generation library systems; software, systems, and services; new roles for librarians; and the national network…

Presents results of a study that examined the kinds of statistics on children's services collected by state library agencies and juvenile circulation statistics collected by individual libraries. Data on libraries are compared according to the size of the library; and the incidence of automated systems for various sizes of libraries is reported.…

The Open Library Network (OBN) is intended to connect national and local university library systems in the Netherlands. OBN integrates existing automated library systems and procedures and brings services like catalog searching and document delivery to the desk of the library user. Project results can be grouped into four categories: (1) the new…

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit presents the results of a survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries designed to investigate the changes in research library systems operations since 1994 and to identify future trends. A total of 70 of 124 ARL member libraries responded to the survey. A copy of the…