Reviews the research that led to the development of a hierarchic scheme of terms with vocabulary control features, called Classaurus, and describes a project aimed at writing software that could be used for the automatic generation of an online alphabetic Classaurus. The problems encountered are discussed and suggestions for further research are…

Describes the design of a prototype rule-based system for the automation of descriptive cataloging from title pages. The discussion covers the results of tests of the prototype, major impediments to automatic cataloging from title pages, and prospects for further progress. The rules implemented in the prototype are appended. (16 references)…

Discusses hypermedia as an appropriate medium for supporting collaborative work and describes hypermedia systems in general and NoteCards in particular. Experiences of collaborators working with NoteCards are presented, the resulting development of two tools is described, and future developments for NoteCards and these tools are discussed. (17…

Discussion of recent developments in personal workstations and software that make it possible to extend the utility of library systems presents the advantages of workstations as well as technical problems and potential solutions. Development of a simple prototype workstation environment at the University of Western Ontario is described. (16…

Eight articles deal with library networking issues: (1) the library role; (2) development of a real computer network; (3) attitudes toward networks; (4) the emergence of local systems; (5) the Western Library Network; (6) the Cooperative Library Agency for Systems and Services; (7) the future of OCLC; and (8) building a unified information…

Discussion of the education of library systems analysts for the 1990s examines: (1) what library science schools have done; (2) necessary skills and competencies; and (3) what library science schools can do. (13 references) (MES)

Describes the dimensions and components of expert systems and their applications in libraries. Discussion of ways in which the productivity of library public services could be improved by using expert systems focuses on reference and bibliographic instruction applications. (four references) (MES)

Provides background on automation of library catalogs. Arguments are presented in favor of standards for online catalogs, and the possibility that inconsistent record access may result in confusion for library patrons is discussed. (MES)

Offers guidelines for evaluating library system vendor documentation using the following criteria: physical appearance, audience, orientation, structure, consistency, accuracy, completeness, readability, and usability. Several examples illustrate alternative ways to present information. (two references) (MES)

The first paper discusses the factors involved in a decision to provide document delivery services, including user needs, competitive climate, business potential, fit with current business, and logistics of providing the service. The second reviews the kinds of additional products that can be developed as a byproduct of conventional database…

Describes an information retrieval system component that taps into the expertise of users by automatically drawing conclusions from actual search behavior about possible thesaurus entries. The processes of knowledge acquisition, explicit or implicit confirmation by users, knowledge verification, and generation of final results are discussed.…

Describes a project that developed two expert systems for library cataloging using the second edition of the Anglo American Cataloging Rules (AACR2) as a knowledge base. The discussion covers cataloging as interpretation, the structure of AACR2, and the feasibility of using expert systems for cataloging in traditional library settings. (26…

A study collected information about office automation trends, office personnel job profiles, and existing curricula. A curriculum conference was held to design and validate a modular curriculum for office automation. (SK)

Case studies were conducted of computer integration in two workplaces: an interdepartment interface in a hospital and a shared maintenance management system in a processing plant. These effects were found: interfacing tightens control by altering the division of labor and increasing supervision; and a shared database does not change the division…

Argues that training for automated library systems is an ongoing process which does not stop once the system is operational. Some problems that can be alleviated through ongoing training are examined, including the addition of new employees and/or new systems software and functions. (nine references) (MAB)