The May 1971 issue of "College and Research Libraries" featured an article by Dr. Ellsworth Mason which constitutes an all-out attack on the application of computer technology to library systems. Dr. Mason views the computer-based technology to library systems developed to date (at least the ones he has studied) as unqualified disasters from a…

An evaluation of the Ohio College Library Center's (OCLC) proposed Serials Control Subsystem was undertaken to determine what effect the system would have on the operation of the Serials Department at the University of South Florida (USF) Library. The system would consist of three components: 1) claiming--identifying missing issues and generating…

Too little is known generally about the cost of the various operations carried out in libraries. At present, new techniques are being devised using computers to store, sort, file and reproduce data formerly dealt with by traditional manual methods. Computer time, however, is expensive, and the computer programs to handle bibliographic data are…

Cornell University Libraries maintains one central technical services processing department which processes all material for endowed division libraries. It is divided into four functional departments: acquisitions, serials, cataloging, and catalog maintenance. This report is concerned with the latter two functions. The present manual system of…

This report describes the Systematic Computerized Processing in Cataloguing system (SCOPE), an automated system for the catalog department of a university library. The system produces spine labels, pocket labels, book cards for the circulation system, catalog cards including shelf list, main entry, subject and added entry cards, statistics, an…

Recommends a five-year delay in implementation of AACR II to allow projected improvements in library automation to lower costs and increase the benefits of change. Such a delay will allow the adoption of an uncompromised code of cataloging practice at minimal cost. (RAA)

The Library Labor Cost Accounting System will provide visibility on current costs of manually processing library materials, at each campus as well as system-wide. The scope of the study includes the following: (1) 100 individual activities, grouped into 14 functional areas, e.g., Ordering, Receiving; and into 3 major operations: Acquisitions,…

The on-line serials control system in use at the UCLA Biomedical Library is compared with former batch processing and manual procedures. It is evaluated in terms of performance, user satisfaction and costs, and is shown to be superior in these respects. The system makes possible increased productivity and savings. (8 references) (Author/KE)

Libraries today operate on the assumption that they are a necessary and viable social institution with a long life expectancy. However, labor productivity, automation levels, and costs are not in line with todays economic requirements. Competing information services may replace libraries by the turn of the century. (DH)

Suggests that a less rigid traditional approach towards automating acquisitions functions might be more cost effective. Thorough investigation of available alternatives should precede a decision to adopt or maintain a local system. (Author/RAA)

Discusses outsourcing in library technical-services departments and how to make the department more cost-effective to limit the need for outsourcing as a less expensive alternative. Topics include experiences at State University of New York at Buffalo; efficient use of computers for in-house programs; and staff participation. (LRW)

In a continuing effort to reduce costs and improve internal processes, the Glendale Public Library's book charging and overdue determination system has been examined and an improved method conceived which will free badly needed labor hours within the library. It is proposed that the present photocharging transaction card system be kept, but the…

As with all new programs, the costs associated with library automation must be carefully considered before implementation. This document suggests guidelines to be followed and areas to be considered in the costing of library procedures. An existing system model has been suggested as a standard (Appendix A) and a classification of library tasks…

Expresses concern about the future of cataloging and its overall quality, noting problems in applying the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2), complications caused by computer applications, the deterioration of quality control in subject heading authorities, cost considerations, and the loss of quality control in general. Four references are…

Discusses concerns of librarians entering field of library automation emphasizing issues surrounding automated circulation control systems and online catalogs. Factors which have contributed to dramatic growth in these areas are enumerated: MARC II format, reduced computer costs, commercial vendors, scarce resources, and turnkey systems. (EJS)