In this column, the author discusses how the management of e-books has introduced, at many libraries and in varying degrees, the challenges of maintaining effective technical services workflows. Four different e-book workflows are identified and explored, and the author takes a closer look at how particular variables for each are affected, such as…

Describes a survey of research libraries with online catalogs planned or in place that examined the status of card catalogs, shelf list files, and the capability of online systems to handle traditional shelf list functions. The functions examined include inventory control, collection assessment, holdings information, and call number assignment.…

Based on information and documents gathered from 103 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries via an April 1986 ARL Recon Project questionnaire, and supplemented with additional interviews and materials gathered throughout the year, this publication focuses on retrospective conversion projects designed to support the implementation…

Various aspects of the theme, "AccessAbility: Overcoming Information Barriers," are considered in the conference papers collected in this document. They include: (1) "The Library Image: A Barrier to Accessibility" (Janice S. Boyer); (2) "The Educationally Disadvantaged Student: How Can the Library Help?" (Michael Poma…

For this kit, 119 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries were surveyed to determine the impact of online catalogs on the training needs of technical services staff and on the planning and organization of programs to meet these needs; responses were received from 66 libraries. Analyses of the responses indicated that the…

Reports how the Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Library migrated to the Horizon integrated library system. Discusses migration processes including project planning and implementation, client/server issues, data migration, and staff/end-user training. Reviews system modules including acquisitions, cataloging, serials control, public access, and…

Presents results of a survey of ARL (Association of Research Libraries) members in the United States and Canada that was conducted to discover which electronic reference options are offered and their impact on library services. Online mediated searching, CD-ROM, end-user searching, and local databases are investigated. (nine references) (LRW)

Discusses reasons why libraries are being forced to seek new forms of information storage. A hypothetical scenario of user-initiated document delivery alternatives integrated with a search process used by a professor using the Harvard OnLine Library Information System is presented. Extensive notes elaborate on the process and the technology…

The nine papers in this compilation focus on cataloging, classification, and indexing: (1) "Living Together in the Australian Bibliographic Network: A Member's View" (Tom Cochrane, Australia); (2) "PICA (Project for Integrated Catalogue Automation), from Project to Institution: A Participant's View" (Jacques van Gent & Cees…

This publication reports results of a survey of 83 ARL (Association of Research Libraries) member libraries that examined the decision making process in migration from one automated library system to another. Data are reported on planning; implementation; workflow redesign; and training, publicity, and evaluation. Supplemental materials include:…

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…

Discusses the development of electronic libraries at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library and elsewhere and presents an overview of changes in services and staff responsibilities needed to address user needs. Sidebar articles discuss Internet access to government information; changing staff roles; geographic information systems; the Mann…

This report offers a baseline survey of the retrospective strength of, access to, and preservation of Latin Americanist resources in North American libraries. Information about collections, online bibliographic control, and the need for preservation is derived from analyses of a 550-item sample of Latin Americanist materials published between 1935…

This publication contains the following essays: (1) "Das Bibliothekssystem der Ruhr-Universitat Bochum: hochschul-und stazungsrechtliche Grundlagen" (Bernhard Adams); (2) "On Appropriate Librarianship: The Genesis of the Library of Today, and Its Possible Exodus Tomorrow" (Maurice B. Line); (3) "The Challenge to Library…

Discusses German libraries' access to the Internet and World Wide Web, and reviews German library development and organization. Topics include state libraries; research library networks; national scientific service organizations that provide specialized information services; funding; standards; online catalog software; document delivery and…