Suggests that if librarians and libraries are to continue to fulfill their true tasks, they need to adapt to changes resulting from new technology and overcome the professional paralysis that has made most major libraries largely unusable. Problems of size, arrangement, and catalogs are identified as contributors to unusable library. (EJS)

Relates problems prompted by implementation of online circulation and cataloging systems in Polytechnic of North London's Library Service. Conversion of records from former card catalog to computer file and organizational problems (position of central technical services unit, position of Library Service in total information handling structure of…

Three articles describe procedures used for retrospective conversion: MITINET/retro system in Wisconsin and efforts to create statewide bibliographic database; retrocon process for Library Computer System circulation/resource-sharing system in Illinois academic libraries; use of REMARC to build online catalog at Johns Hopkins University. Authority…

Discusses two major categories of problems relating to literature access in developing and peripheral countries--inability to access/use secondary services and inability to obtain relevant primary literature in timely and cost-efficient fashion. Two approaches for solutions involving regional and subregional networks are suggested. Eight sources…

Examines 55 articles from 25 popular magazines such as "Better Homes and Gardens,""Business Week,""Popular Mechanics," and "Working Woman" and discusses purpose of the articles, consumer oriented online services, libraries and information centers, databases, and publishers and intermediaries. A list of the…

A survey of 430 users of online catalog at Ohio State University Libraries found that most users are undergraduate students (68 percent) and that majority (95 percent) choose online catalog as first source of information. Fewer performed known-item searches and success rates were generally higher than reported in earlier studies. (8 references)…

Outlines areas of computer technology important for schools of the future. Points out the importance of providing students with the most current tools, ideas, and technologies if they are going to be able to cope in the changing world. (MD)

Describes a study which investigated plans of Association of Research Libraries members in New England for total automated library systems, whether compatibility of microcomputers with existing or proposed equipment is a factor in microcomputer selection, plans for microcomputer use, and how appropriate microcomputer tasks are identified and…

Reports views of six professionals--a psychologist, an educator, an administrative assistant at a medical college, a chemist, and a labor lawyer--who conduct their own online searching. The uses of microcomputers and online databases, costs, time involved, information needs, and satisfaction with the accuracy of search results are discussed. (EJS)

Examines a multiplicity of issues that must be considered as features are taken from two existing systems--libraries and computing centers--and used in moving toward the integrated information support system of the future. Discussion covers indexing, conversion, access, security, costs, changes in the workplace, and challenges of transition. (EJS)

Focuses on the multiple design issues involved in creating successful menu selection systems: semantic organization, response time, display rates, shortcuts for frequent users, titles, phrasing of menu items, graphic layout, and selection mechanisms. Pop-up and embedded menus, experimental results, and design guidelines are also covered.…

Discusses ways in which developments in interactive electronic technologies present public sector institutions, particularly academic libraries, with set of choices and dilemmas that will be as crucial in results as difficult in resolution. Inevitability of interactive electronics, interactive television, interactive technologies in library, and…

Describes a system for identifying and retrieving relevant citations on a monthly basis which can be accomplished with any microcomputer and printer possessing capability of telecommunication and downloading. Procedures for comprehensive search, downloading, formatting of information for printing, printing file cards and abstracts, and…

Presents remarks of the Secretary of State and State Librarian of Illinois concerning the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET) which was created in 1965. Effective use of developing technology (online catalogs, interlibrary loan, automated circulation systems, collection development), anticipating changing needs of library users, and…

Profiles the New England Library Information Network (NELINET), whose purpose is to serve as focal point for achievement of cost effective library automation through shared resources. Origins of NELINET are highlighted as well as NELINET services, including archival tapes, role as OCLC broker network, cost effectiveness, and successful use of new…