Describes a study that examined the occurrence of untraced references in general explanatory see references, see also references, and scope notes in the machine readable Library of Congress Subject Headings. The discussion covers the effort required to review these fields, delete unposted references and tracings, and substitute posted ones in…

The development, field testing, and evaluation of a checklist approach to selecting an integrated library automation system are described, and recommendations for using this approach are outlined. The checklist, which is divided into five main sections of catalog features and functions, is appended. (Author/CLB)

Identifies questions that school librarians considering retrospective conversion should ask to evaluate their catalog needs and questions to ask vendors about their conversion methods. Comparative data about various vendors and methods of retrospective conversion are provided, along with a list of vendor addresses. (CLB)

Although the general automation process can be applied to most libraries, small libraries and media centers require a customized approach. Using a systematic approach, this guide covers each step and aspect of automation in a small library setting, and combines the principles of automation with field- tested activities. After discussing needs…

Provides an overview of the basics of retrospective conversion and guidelines for the analysis of the collection, including its depth, age, and extent of foreign and nonprint materials. The use of accepted cataloging standards is advocated. (CLB)

This study was initiated by the Newfoundland Public Library Services (NPLS) to assess the feasibility of automation for the library services and to determine the viability of an integrated automated library system for the NPLS. The study addresses the needs of NPLS in terms of library automation; benefits to be achieved through the introduction of…

Presents a classification scheme for generations of online catalogs; discusses current online technologies and identifies deficiencies; and discusses enhancements that will take online catalogs into the next generation. Such enhancements will include increased access to information through user-system dialogue, automatic search aids, subject…

Reviews the process through which the University of Guelph Library moved from offline to online catalog access; discusses the impact of information technology on the role of the academic library as an information resource center for an electronic educational network; and discusses the goals of this library, given that role. (CLB)

It is generally accepted in the library world that an automated catalog means more accessible data for patrons, greater productivity for librarians, and an improvement in the sharing of bibliographic data among libraries. While the desirability of automation is not a controversial issue, some aspects of automating remain problematic. This article…