This discussion of methods for selecting an integrated, public-access library system highlights the traditional idealized selection model; participation by the library director, consultant, task force, committees, and vendors; fads and cost figures; selection of the wrong system; and suggestions for an informal approach to purchasing. Five sources…

A series of articles examines the possible role of standards in measuring the performance of automated library systems and in planning the needed capacity of a system. Topics discussed include capacity modeling; response time measurement; system performance from the library, vendor, and consultant perspectives; and development of performance…