At the end of 2007, SirsiDynix introduced the first version of Symphony, its new flagship Integrated Library System (ILS). This article begins with a look at the evolution of Symphony, user reactions to Symphony, and Symphony's design and functionality. The authors, along with a team of librarians from various functional areas, have completed…

The model circulation system outlined is an on-line real time system in which the circulation file is created from the shelf list and the terminal inquiry system includes the capability to query and browse through the bibliographic system and the circulation subsystem together to determine the availability for circulation of specific documents, or…

The 31 papers in this proceedings cover social as well as technical issues, mathematical models and formal logic systems, applications descriptions, program design, cost analysis, and predictions. The papers are grouped into sessions including: privacy and information technology, describing documents, information dissemination systems, public and…

Discussion of information and misinformation about integrated online library systems highlights capabilities and functions that should be offered by an integrated system, practicalities of purchasing a system, visions versus reality, library versus information automation, origins of integrated online systems in the 1960s and 1970s, and future…

Given the recent spate of library system vendor acquisitions and consolidations, integrated library system (ILS) migrations have become a hot topic again. Although ILS migrations happen all the time, they tend to be cyclical in nature. Today, people are thinking broadly about what options might be available to them. These include changing vendors,…

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…

This paper discusses the Experimental Library Management System's features which facilate user interaction, and may prove useful in similar systems; techniques for tutoring the user, adaptability for the experienced user, minimization of keying, performance of clerical tasks by exception notification, and collection of operational statistics to…

Presents a summary of the status of library automation in the late 1970s including the major problems facing libraries as they move to computer-based systems. The developments of the 1980s are also discussed. (Author/MBR)

The purposes of this study are to identify and define viable remote browsing techniques and the requirements for an interactive medical information system that would permit the use of such techniques. The main emphasis is in the areas of: (1) remote viewing of page material; and (2) remote interrogation of fact banks with question-answering…

Discusses management needs for timely, appropriate, and comprehensive library acquisitions information, noting that the requirement for summary and exception reporting mandates online automated acquisition systems. (Author/FM)

This report covers functional specifications for the OCLC Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Subsystem, designed to permit participating libraries to increase the availability of library resources to patrons by enabling these libraries to form, transmit, and fulfill loan requests more rapidly and effectively. It will provide rapid access to a large on-line…

Describes microcomputer-based automation for library applications, noting use of inexpensive (sometimes free) existing programs and software such as dBase II to write or modify programs to meet specific needs. Programs written for the IBM PC-XT to produce serials lists and analyze serials collections are included. Five references are listed. (EJS)

The use of microcomputers in libraries is making online processing less expensive and more effective than traditional manual and batch processes. Procedures followed by the University of Maryland in selecting a computerized library information system from among several turnkey, online circulation systems are described. (MLW)

Discussion of factors contributing to successful procurement of automated library system focuses on preparation of Request for Proposal (RFP) and elements included in the RFP--administrative requirements, functional requirements, performance requirements, reliability requirements, testing procedures, standardized response language, location table,…

Assesses the effect of the communications technology revolution on library and information specialists and the environment for the delivery of library services. Four functions affecting the library and information environment--management, communications, instruction, and publication--are noted. (EJS)