Recovery of significant achievements by exemplary individuals and institutions in public education and librarianship informs our present understanding and motivates future efforts. This narrative history recounts some of the struggles and successes of a great city library when the very conception of a free, public library was still being defined.…

In the development of library systems, the movement today is toward the so-called "total or integrated system. Although it may not be feasible in most cases to design and install a total system in a single operation, it is shown how a series of application programs can become the incremental development of such a system. (Author/JB)

Describes development, hardware requirements, and features of the MultiLIS integrated library software package. A system profile provides pricing information, operational characteristics, and technical specifications. Sidebars discuss MultiLIS integration structure, incremental architecture, and NCR Tower Computers. (4 references) (MES)

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…

Contains the complete questionnaire used in an international survey to determine the range of responsibilities of national libraries and to identify specific roles which may warrant further investigation. A summary of replies is included. (FM)

The Integrated Library System remains a true innovation that forms the baseline of service provided by the contemporary library. The purpose of this paper is to take a moment and reflect upon this innovation, and also to comment about ways to boost and revive innovative endeavors that can further develop the ILS. (Contains 1 table.)

Each of the objectives of the Five Associated University Libraries (FAUL) is discussed in terms of the effort FAUL has made to attain them during the past twenty-six months. These are: (1) to develop coordinated acquisitions policies, (2) to develop means for sharing resources, (3) to develop shared storage facilities, (4) to develop easy and…

Discusses options for systems organizations of information and referral services in libraries, the problems of data collection, and three myths which are traps to the successful implementation of an information and referral service. (Author/PF)

The OCLC Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Subsystem was designed to facilitate resource sharing among OCLC participating libraries, thereby enabling libraries to expand the range of library resources available to patrons. The final report describes subsystem design and functional uses of the ILL subsystem. A functional overview explains the file,…

The feasibility of undertaking a major university-wide library systems development program for the University of California libraries was studied from July 1970 to March 1971. The findings indicate that such a program can provide significantly improved library services while at the same time offering long term fiscal advantages to the University…

Some considerations for national library and information service network development. (KP)

Traces the development of online library networks through published literature, noting the existence of conditions necessary for successful networking and characteristics of the literature, and includes a bibliography of works cited. (CWM)

Interlibrary loan (ILL) transactions are a major library problem because the increased volume places a burden on systems developed with no general plan. This report lists nine difficulties identified by the 1974 National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. Automated networking is imperative for ILL's future. The Ohio College Library…

Reviews the development of a fault tolerant database processor system which replaced OCLC's conventional file system. A general introduction to database management systems and the operating environment is followed by a description of the hardware selection, software processes, and system characteristics. (SW)

Discusses a method of evaluating public library systems development in metropolitan areas with regard to four aspects: financial systems, interlibrary cooperation, new uses and services, and technical developments. The method was first proposed by the Urban Library Study Project of the Toronto Public Libraries. (Author/FM)