Describes microcomputer-based automation for library applications, noting use of inexpensive (sometimes free) existing programs and software such as dBase II to write or modify programs to meet specific needs. Programs written for the IBM PC-XT to produce serials lists and analyze serials collections are included. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Summary of developments that have occurred in the past year in online news-retrieval services highlights the demise of the New York Times Information Service, Information Access Corporation's database additions and enhancements, full-text services, specialized databases with current events content, and microcomputer access to news. Twelve…

Discusses the characteristics of information retrieval software and examines several capabilities of two systems, SIRE and ZyINDEX--creating a database, indexing the database, maintaining the database, and searching the database. Each system's strengths and weaknesses in bibliographic record and full text applications are analyzed. A glossary is…

InfoQUEST is a microcomputer-based online public access catalog, designed for the small library handling file sizes up to 25,000 records. Based on the IBM-PC, or compatible machines, the system will accept downloading, in batch mode, of records from the library's file on the UTLAS Catalog Support System. (Author/EJS)

Representatives of six vendors of online library systems address key issues related to system performance: designing, configuring and sizing systems; establishing performance criteria; using benchmark and acceptance tests; the risks of miscalculations; vendor, consultant, and library roles; and related topics. (Author/EM)

Five library consultants address issues that affect online system performance: options in system design that relate to diverse library requirements; criteria that most affect performance; benchmark tests and sizing criteria; minimalizing the risks of miscalculation; and the roles and responsibilities of vendors, libraries, and consultants.…

Defines and discusses the equipment and software needed to start telecommunicating: modems (speed, autodial or manual dial, stand-alone or built-in), telephones, telecommunications software, and commercial information services, including electronic mail and bulletin boards. Definitions, communications protocols, equipment features, and costs are…

Description of database management systems for microcomputers highlights system features and factors to consider in microcomputer system selection. A method for ranking database management systems is explained and applied to a defined need, i.e., software support for indexing a weekly newspaper. A glossary of terms and 32-item bibliography are…

Describes the first library-sponsored Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS), begun in November 1981 at North-Pulaski Branch of Chicago Public Library. Examples of logon routines, menu displays, recent features of the People's Message System, and censorship statements are included. BBS sources (noting address and price) and a nine-item…

Describes the Online Multiple User System (TOMUS), an integrated, turnkey library system with online catalog, cataloging, and authority control modules available; circulation, acquisitions, and serials control models are being designed. The experiences of four different libraries with the system are described. (EM)

Describes the American Association of Publishers' (AAP) Electronic Manuscript Project, which was charged with the development of standards to facilitate the exchange and processing of electronically created documents, and explains the application of generic tags developed for descriptive markup that can be used with a variety of technologies and…

The SilverPlatter system is a complete, stand-alone system, consisting of an IBM (or compatible) personal computer, compact disc with read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, software, and one or more databases. Large databases (e.g., ERIC, PsycLIT) will soon be available on the system for "local" installation in schools, libraries, and…

Describes development of system for retrieval of documents from magnetic storage that uses stored font definition codes to control an inexpensive laser printer in the production of copies that closely resemble original document. Trends in information equipment and printing industries that will govern future application of this technology are…

Reviews attributes of laser discs and "traditional" objections to use of audiovisual materials. Use of authoring systems as means of tailoring laser disc programs and updating aging materials is described. Flexibility and power of the Video Nova Authoring System is explained and illustrated and the SONY SMC-70 microcomputer is evaluated.…

Describes the development and installation of the Computer Automated Software for the Total Library Environment System (CASTLE), which uses a microcomputer to automate operations of small academic library in six main areas: circulation, online catalog, inventory and file maintenance, audiovisual equipment, accounting, and information and…