Discusses evolution of Integrated Library System (ILS) since its beginning at National Library of Medicine, highlighting events leading to ILS development; formative design stages, formation of Online Computer System; installation of ILS version 1.0 at Pentagon library; development of version 2.0, formation of Avatar Systems; OCLC's acquisition of…

Describes origin, development, and current state of Research Libraries Information Network's (RLIN) Command Analysis System, which digests large quantities of raw data on RLIN use and performance and produces useful graphs and reports. Recent results of system and pragmatic issues in analysis of online systems are noted. (7 references) (EJS)

This tutorial on packet radio (communication system using radio and digital packet-switching technology) highlights radio transmission of data, brief history, special considerations in applying packet radio to library online catalogs, technology, defining protocol at physical and network levels, security, geographic coverage, and components. (A…

Considers fundamental decisions that shaped the output products of Research Libraries Information Network. Product Batch was designed using single data definition (RMARC) combined with standard PL/I, modular programing techniques, program documentation. Choice of software and programing languages, other design aspects (accountability, count…

Follows development of New England Library Information Network (NELINET) since its 1964 beginning and explores important issues in library network development: economic imperative for cooperative efforts in automation; funding, governance, and organizational structure; and the evolving role of regional networks and their relationship to nationwide…

Discusses results of opinion poll conducted by Library and Information Technology Association of 334 academic, public, government, and corporate libraries concerning authority control in the online environment. Use of authority files on bibliographic utilities, presence of online catalogs, Library of Congress authority records, and comments from…

Important features of local area networks (LAN) are reviewed, and several microcomputer LANs are described (ARCnet, Hinet, ShareNet, Ethernet, Omninet, PLAN 4000). Results of survey of 10 libraries using or planning to use a microcomputer LAN and considerations in choosing a LAN are reported. Forty-one references are cited. (EJS)

Summarizes difficulties in creating formal bibliographic citations to public access machine-readable documents (PAMD): no established format for PAMD references in tradition of scholarly writing; structure of computer conferencing results in authors using language different from that used in written communications; information storage problems of…

Describes a prototype online search system called ASK (Assisted Search for Knowledge) that will provide Internet and dial-up access to an array of databases related to environmental and demographic change. The Global Change Data and Information system that is being organized by federal agencies is described. (Author/LRW)

Describes ongoing project to automate production of 26 indexes and catalogs produced by H. W. Wilson Company through use of the BEACON system and its online screen-edit program, SCREED. System objectives, system architecture, specifications, components (data entry, validation, release, file generation, retrieval, publication, photocomposition,…

Describes the automation of the machine-readable library serials file at Golda Meir Library, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Highlights include purchase of the PERLINE/BOOKLINE system including a MARC interface module called MICA, five main aspects of the problem posed by the library serials conversion project, and use of the text-processing…

Report on the status of automation within Library of Congress's Processing Services notes the positive effects of progress in cataloging activities, acquisitions activities, information retrieval, and dissemination of bibliographic products. Systems in operation, distribution services and products, and automation tasks not yet scheduled are…

Describes an automated reserve processing system developed locally at Clemons Library, University of Virginia. Discussion covers developments in the reserve operation at Clemons Library, automation of the processing and circulation functions of reserve collections, and changes in reserve operation performance and staffing needs due to automation.…

Presents a brief summary of the functions of the Bibliographic Access & Control System (BACS) implemented at the Washington University School of Medicine Library, and outlines the design, development, and uses of the system. Bibliographic control of books and serials and user access to the system are also discussed. (Author/JL)

Based on interviews with OCLC staff, network directors, and librarians in member libraries, and related literature review, it is recommended that OCLC take steps to improve statistics it currently makes available and to consider leadership role in helping libraries use microcomputer technology to provide statistics for library management. (27…