There is little need to write about procedures now being used in library systems analysis. Instead, one should focus attention on underlying principles and implicit processes used by analysts, concentrating on the role of the analyst in the inquiry process. (17 references) (Author)

At a time when libraries are adopting systems analysis as an integral part of their management structure, systems analysts are voicing grave concern about their ability to deliver the kinds of systems libraries need. (11 references) (Author)

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…

A systems study or analysis is indispensible when a library faces these problems: (1) increased demands of library users; (2) increases in book funds; (3) increase in interinstitutional cooperation; and (4) inability of professional staff to realize the professional potential for creative endeavor. (42 references) (Author/TW)

Discussion of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) that supports operational and managerial planning of automation projects covers challenges of library automation, evolution and scope of SDLC, lack of dissemination of SDLC literature within library and information science community, and corrective measures to meet library automation demands.…

Discusses the need for management information and decision support systems in libraries, and identifies inertia and confusion as the main contributors to the lack of successful implementations. An attempt to initiate a decision support system at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is described, and both problems encountered and benefits gained are…

Describes the experiences of four library automation projects that involved multitype library networks. Areas discussed include forces acting on libraries, the growth and development of the library marketplace, the increasing complexity and interrelationships of automated systems and the profound impact of such systems on libraries. (CLB)

A case history is presented of the development and initial operation of the special library at the Criminal Justice Training and Education Center, Toledo, Ohio, during an internship for the Community Information Specialist Program at The University of Toledo. Description is given of efforts in organizing an existing collection of books, documents,…

Discusses the advantages of parallel processor computers in terms of expandibility, cost, performance and reliability, and suggests that such computers be used in library automation systems as a cost effective approach to planning for the growth of information services and computer applications. (CLB)

Five prominent consultants--Richard Boss, Susan Baerg Epstein, Rob McGee, Joseph Matthews, James E. Rush--discuss the most common mistakes vendors make in implementing library automated systems. Suggestions are made for correcting basic problems relating to identification of library needs, communications, delivery dates, inadequate systems, and…

Summarizes the development of the Computer-Aided Reference Services (CARS) division of the University of Utah Libraries' reference department. Development, organizational structure, site selection, equipment, management, staffing and training considerations, promotion and marketing, budget and pricing, record keeping, statistics, and evaluation…

Emphasizing the importance of the development and maintenance of a system of signs to make the library patron aware that a reliable pattern of information exists within the library, this report includes a selection of statements excerpted from Sign Systems for Libraries, a collection of papers on visual guidance systems in various types of…

This report examines the feasibility of developing a Colorado statewide union data base to support cataloging, acquisitions, and interlibrary loan functions. It concludes that any data base developed should focus on providing location information for the state's library materials to support patron access to available resources. The title location…

The two-phase effort at Clemson University to design a comprehensive library automation program is reported. Phase one was based on a version of IBM's business system planning methodology, and the second was based on a linear model designed to compare existing program systems to the phase one design. (MLW)

An outline for librarians who want to cooperatively plan to implement a shared circulation system, this guide employs a method of planning based on policy analysis. The stages of problem formulation, identification of objectives, perceptual activity, system design, information gathering, and evaluation are outlined. Although this guide contains…