Describes the Public Access Computer Systems Forum (PACS), a computer conference that deals with all computer systems that libraries make available to patrons. Areas discussed include how to subscribe to PACS, message distribution and retrieval capabilities, subscriber lists, documentation, generic list server capabilities, and other…

Discusses the benefits and disadvantages for library uses of stand-alone and integrated computer systems, multi-user and single-user systems, local area networks versus shared logic systems, and the Macintosh Library System which combines features of both. (EM)

Addresses problems encountered by self-taught "talented amateurs" doing microcomputer systems work for libraries: not maintaining design control, not maintaining operational control, attempting to use someone else's database, having variety of diverse systems activity converging on common database, attempting to run whole show, and…

Describes microcomputer based search system that provides access to selected portions of the ERIC database using a simplified and guided format and serves as inexpensive tool to teach concepts of online searching and information retrieval. Getting started, decision and command lines, help instructions, and availability of database disks are…

Description of a general purpose microcomputer database management package covers assist and program mode; performance (set-up and loading, data entry, editing, ease of use, report generators, data manipulation, searching a database, file handling utilities, user interface, memo fields, date operations, multi-file processing, command files, error…

The Sydney Micro Library System is a microcomputer-based integrated library system with cataloging, inquiry, and system management modules that form the base system for running the optional acquisitions, circulation, serials, and MARC record modules. Designed for small special libraries, the system has parallel minicomputer and microcomputer…

This discussion of three automated acquisitions systems--Bib-Base/Acq, The Book Trak Ordering System, and Card Datalog Acquisitions Module--covers searching and updating, editing, acquisitions functions and statistics, purchase orders and order file, budgeting and accounts maintenance, defining parameters, documentation, security, printing, and…

Reviews features of front-end software packages (interface between user and online system)--database selection, search strategy development, saving and downloading, hardware and software requirements, training and documentation, online systems and database accession, and costs--and discusses gateway services (user searches through intermediary…

Discusses number and type of microcomputer software programs useful to libraries and types of hardware on which they run, as identified by Nolan Information Management Services. Highlights include general application programs, applications designed to support library technical processes, producers of library software, and choosing among options.…

Describes file management package offering relatively sophisticated features: conversion of previously downloaded records from commercial database into local file; keyword searching on inverted keyword file; full-text searching on author, title, bibliographic source, abstract; sorting by author, title, bibliographic source, publication year;…

Describes how the Swift-Current Comprehensive High School (Saskatchewan) library computerized to create an online catalog, provide access to remote databases, and acquire CD-ROM reference systems. Objectives, hardware and software selection and costs, implementation, and evaluation are discussed. Seven references are listed, and a directory of…

Presents a method for libraries with limited budgets to create reliable Web servers with existing hardware and free software available via the Internet. Discusses staff, hardware and software requirements, and security; outlines the assembly process. (PEN)

Four articles outline problems, programing, case studies, and hardware/software selection in library use of microcomputer-based electronic bulletin board systems (BBS). Highlights include the North-Pulaski (Chicago, Illinois) BBS, features of Liverpool Public Library (New York) system, and misuse of a library BBS (obscenity, bulletin board…

Describes two methods for the computerization of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) input and output--Research Libraries Group's Sinoterm and OCLC's Asiagraphics. East Asian vernacular computerization efforts, system development, character sets, terminal design and keyboards, and member library use of CJK records are highlighted. Six references…

Analyzes structure of, and data in, the OCLC-MARC record in the form delivered via OCLC's Tape Subscription Service, and outlines important processing functions involved: "unreadable tapes," duplicate records and deduping, match processing, choice processing, locations processing, "automatic" and "input" stamps,…