Describes a typical configuration for a local area network (LAN), and discusses positive and negative factors to be considered when deciding whether to implement a LAN in a library setting. Situations in which LANS are or are not appropriate are identified, and alternatives to LANs are described. (CLB)

Describes the possible roles of an automation librarian working with microcomputer-based applications. Topics discussed include developing original applications; troubleshooting; software evaluation; hardware and software monitoring, maintenance, and upgrading; data protection; staff training; system documentation; negotiation and communication;…

Reports the results of a survey of the Canadian integrated library systems market. The analysis includes comparisons of large versus microcomputer-based installations by type of library and across all libraries, foreign sales by Canadian vendors, and trends in the library systems market. (CLB)

Discusses use of microcomputer hardware and software, telecommunications methods, and advanced library methods to create a specialized information center's database of literature relating to farm machinery and food processing. Systems and services (electronic messaging, serials control, database creation, cataloging, collections, circulation,…

Outline of basic requirements needed to outfit a small public library with microcomputers discusses necessary equipment, cost effectiveness, management information systems, statistics generated, software available, and library procedures to be automated. Fifteen references are cited. (EJS)

Issues and impacts of microcomputer use in libraries are discussed in terms of labor dislocation, costs, distributed data processing, networks, current system configurations and capabilities, and software. Reference service management, information retrieval systems, and external online access are also examined. Twenty-six references are listed.…

Reports the results of a survey of integrated library system vendors that examined installations in Canadian academic, public and special libraries during 1989. Findings discussed include large library system versus PC-based system market shares, an analysis of system selection by type of library, and other factors that affect system selection. A…

This analysis of trends in the Canadian library systems marketplace in 1986, compares installations of large integrated systems and microcomputer based systems by relative market share, and number of installations by type of library. Canadian vendors' sales in international markets are also analyzed, and a director of vendors provided. (Author/CLB)

Describes a network for interlibrary loans among public libraries in Ontario which includes microcomputer workstations, online searching of remote databases for verification and locations, and the use of electronic mail. The discussion covers the pilot project, its evaluation, cost effectiveness, extension of the network, and future plans.…

The first of two articles describes the development of a protocol for interlibrary loan communications by the National Library of Canada, and discusses the benefits derived from standards that allow libraries using different communications equipment to exchange messages. The second discusses the impact of the standardized protocol on…

Reports results of a survey of vendors of large and microcomputer-based integrated library systems. Data presented on Canadian installations include total systems installed, comparisons with earlier years, market segments, and installations by type of library (excluding school). International sales and automation requirements for music are…

Discusses the results of the fifth annual survey of integrated library systems in Canadian public, academic, and special libraries. Highlights include systems based on personal computers; bilingual systems; the use of consultants; differences between Canadian and U.S. markets; Canadian international sales; and vendor information. (LRW)

Reports the results of a study that surveyed online vendors of both large and microcomputer based library management systems to examine patterns of system installation in public, university, college, special, and government libraries in Canada. A directory of online vendors is provided. (CLB)

Reports results of a 1989 survey of vendors who supply microcomputer-based modular and integrated systems to Canadian school libraries for automation of six basic library functions: acquisitions, cataloging, online public access catalogs, circulation, serials management, and media management. System installations by region, vendor, and type of…