Guidelines for library automation include information on currently available microcomputer-based software products appropriate for small libraries and integrated systems for the larger libraries that can afford them. Costs, capabilities, functions, and vendor service are discussed, and a directory of vendors is included. (CDD)

This review of new developments and products in online services discusses trends in travel related services; full text databases; statistical source databases; an emphasis on regional and international business news; and user friendly systems. (Author/CLB)

Briefly describes BALLOTS (Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations using a Time-sharing System). (PF)

Presents responses of five major bibliographic facilities--Library of Congress MARC program, Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), Washington Library Network (WLN), and University of Toronto Library Automated System (UTLAS)--to a set of fictional situations involving computer crime and security. (EJS)

Briefly reviews the history of H. W. Wilson Company and describes the development of its automation program, BEACON, which has already been used to produce Cumulative Book Index. The automation of the remaining indexes and possibility of using the system for online information retrieval in the future are noted. (EJS)

Profiles four major bibliographic utilities: the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), the Washington Library Network (WLN), and the University of Toronto Library Automation Systems (UTLAS). (FM)

This simplified description of the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) includes an interview with OCLC director Fred Kilgour. (PF)

Briefly describes the origin and development of some major online bibliographic utilities, including the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), the University of Toronto Library Automation Systems (UTLAS), and the Washington Library Network (WLN). (FM)

Presents a series of questions and answers pertaining to the relationship between the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) and the Research Libraries Group (RLG) and touches on matters of policy and linkages. (FM)

The Apple-based MITINET system uses several forms of technology (Library of Congress MARC file in microfiche, microcomputers, COM vendor) to produce library database and COM catalog. Cost for MITINET software is based on number of branches or buildings performing conversion, and varies from $250 to $85 per building or branch. (EJS)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of online availability of computerized versions of encyclopedias and notes works currently and soon to be online, searching strategies (subject headings and full-text), cost effectiveness, and librarian skepticism. (EJS)

Observations on impact of WILSONLINE (online access to H. W. Wilson's indexes) on the industry, library services, and end users are drawn from interviews with reference librarians, H. W. Wilson administrative staff, and monitors of database industry. Issues addressed include quality, thoroughness, ease of use, and marketing (demand, pricing,…

This article describes a computerized clearinghouse for children's radio and television designed to help parents, teachers, librarians, and students gather information on programs targeted for preschool through high-school-aged children. Data on 20,000 programs for the pilot, access for special needs audience, and the book/short story connection…

This review of the process of retrospective conversion (recon)--conversion of existing bibliographic records into machine-readable form--notes options and services (bibliographic utilities, commercial vendors); new technologies (microcomputer and optical-disc-based systems); collaboration and a coordinated recon strategy; cooperative efforts; and…

Describes the development of the WAIS (Wide Area Information Servers) protocol, a system that allows users access to personal, corporate, and commercial electronic information from one interface. The availability of WAIS on the Internet and the reactions of users are addressed. Several problems are considered, including funding, hardware…