Reviews pilot project at the University of Southern California to convert the traditional card catalog to a COM catalog. This involved identification of essential and nonessential catalog data elements and assessment of users' reaction toward the sudden change in form and content of the catalog. (CWM)

This first volume of a proposed twelve volume series of surveys on library automation is based on - besides information gathered by the survey - the results of a literature search to locate any recently published information concerning the reported activities. These are cited below their respective entries to provide additional information about…

Presents results of a survey of 30 library systems vendors to examine how successfully they met the key challenges of 1997: integration, testing, and marketing a new generation of systems. Character-based systems, the Dublin Core, Java, and the Z39.50 standard are discussed. Profiles describing sales and product developments for each of the…

Reports results of the 1994 Automated System Marketplace survey based on responses from 60 vendors. Highlights include changes in the library automation marketplace; estimated library systems revenues; minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems; marketplace trends; global markets and mergers; research needs; new purchase processes; and profiles…

This report analyzes data gathered from 29 automated library system vendors who responded to a 1996 survey. The survey also requested their perceptions of Java (an object-oriented programming language) and network computers, and issues and trends to be considered by library administrators. Contact information about the vendors is provided. (Four…

Presents the results of a survey of 18 vendors of PC- and Mac-based multifunction library systems that include either circulation or patron access catalogs. Highlights include software alone or turnkey systems, operating systems, programming language, sales, profitability, and support staff. (LRW)

Presents highlights of research that used industrywide surveys, focus groups, personal interviews, and industry-published data to explore the future of electronic information delivery in libraries. Topics discussed include CD-ROMs; prices; full-text products; magnetic tape leasing; engineering and technical literature; connections between online…

Contains profiles of integrated online library systems (IOLS) software for special libraries, along with a chart that compares key features and functionalities for both circulation control and online catalogs. The software packages of 18 separate vendors are represented. Profiles were assembled from previously published information, including…

This second LARC (Library Automation Research and Consulting Association) automation survey presents a number of significant improvements over the first survey. Although the number of survey reports has not increased greatly, all of them have been updated and reflect, as nearly as it is possible to do, the current status of automation operations…

Reports results of a survey of vendors of large and microcomputer-based integrated library systems. Data presented on Canadian installations include total systems installed, comparisons with earlier years, market segments, and installations by type of library (excluding school). International sales and automation requirements for music are…

The amount of change resulting from the implementation of the Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations using a Time-sharing System (BALLOTS) is analyzed, in terms of (1) physical room arrangement, (2) work procedure, and (3) organizational structure. Also considered is the factor of amount of time the new system has been in use.…

Reports on a survey measuring the performance of a merging algorithm used to generate the now-defunct ULM (Union List of Monographs) file for ALEPH, Israel's research library network. Discusses automatic detection and merging of duplicate bibliographic records, problems created by lack of a standard for Hebrew spelling, and methods for measuring…

Describes a survey of library systems and software vendors that examined the sources, management, and use of authority records in their systems and the functions of an authority control module within an integrated system. Several tables and graphs offer summaries and comparisons of vendors' offerings and capabilities. The questionnaire used is…

Responding to an informal survey, 96 media specialists named favorite software, CD-ROMs, and online sites. This article lists automation packages, electronic encyclopedias, CD-ROMs, electronic magazine indexes, CD-ROM and online database services, electronic sources of current events, laser disks for grades 6-12, word processing programs for…

Describes the results of a 1990 survey of public, school, special, and university libraries that investigated attitudes toward technological applications and implementations. Topics include the use of various technologies, including CD-ROM; budget allocations to technology; patrons' use of technology; staff training; the necessity for planning;…