To help the librarian in negotiating with vendors of automated library services, nine authors have presented methods of dealing with a specific service or situation. Paper topics include computer services, network contracts, innovative service, data processing, automated circulation, a turn-key system, data base sharing, online data base services,…

This review of recent and anticipated advances in library automation technology and methodology includes a review of the effects of OCLC, MARC formatting, AACR2, and increasing costs, as well as predictions of the impact on library technical processing of networking, expansion of automation, minicomputers, specialized reference services, and…

A survey of 22 London libraries was conducted to determine the characteristics and extent of library automation in the area; the results of this survey are presented in a series of tables. Questions are grouped by general topics--computer facilities, cataloging, circulation control, staffing, and objectives--and each set of tables is introduced by…

Currently being developed by the State Library of Queensland, Australia, ORACLE (On-Line Retrieval of Acquisitions, Cataloguing, and Circulation Details for Library Enquiries) is a computerized library system designed to provide rapid processing of library materials in a multi-user environment. It is based on the Australian MARC format and fully…

A description of the growth and development of the New York State Interlibrary Loan Network (NYSILL) from its inception in 1976 to its status in 1977, is followed by discussions of the various aspects of the network, reexamining its ability to meet its objectives and proposing recommendations for improvement. These discussions include (1) the…

THE BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES, AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE PROJECT ARE REVIEWED BRIEFLY. SPECIFIC AREAS DISCUSSED ARE ENGLISH-LANGUAGE UDC SCHEDULES, A COMPUTER-BASED UDC FILE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, DATA BASES FOR RETRIEVAL EXPERIMENTS, AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM EVALUATION. THE CONCLUSIONS DEAL WITH THE USEFULNESS OF THE UDC FOR MECHANIZED RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS,…

Automation is a word that describes the workings of computers and the innovations of automatic transfer machines in the factory. As the hallmark of the new industrial revolution, computers displace workers and create a need for new skills and retraining programs. With improved communication between industry and the educational community to…

This report discusses the problem of the meansings of words used in information retrieval systems, and shows how semantic tools can aid in the communication which takes place between indexers and searchers via index terms. After treating the differing use of semantic tools in different types of systems, two tools (classification tables and…

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER WAS TO REVIEW HOW "AUTOMATION" IS DEFINED, GIVING CONSIDERATION TO CONVENTIONAL USAGE OF THE TERM AND TO THOSE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH DETERMINE THE CONVENIENCE OR SUITABILITY FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES OF PARTICULAR CATEGORIES OF TECHNICAL CHANGE. AN UNDERLYING ASSUMPTION IS THAT THE ADJUSTMENT DEMANDS IMPOSED BY TECHNOLOGY…

The implications of computer technology and architecture are discussed with reference to school building design. A brief introduction is given of computer applications in other fields leading to the conclusions that computers alone cannot design school buildings but may serve as a useful tool in the overall design process. Specific examples are…

An interactive search and editing system, 3RIP, is being developed at the library of the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm for large files of textual and numeric data. A substantial part (on the order of 10-E9 characters) of the primary file of the search system will consist of bibliographic references from a wide range of sources. If the…

Automatic image pattern recognition techniques have been successfully applied to improving productivity and quality in both manufacturing and service applications. Automatic Image Pattern Recognition Algorithms are often developed and tested using unique data bases for each specific application. Quantitative comparison of different approaches and…

Presented is the compilation of a survey of national bibliographic standardization activities undertaken by the International Federation of Library Associations' Universal Bibliographic Control Office (IFLA UBC). The purpose of the survey was to ascertain and identify the present bibliographic practices in national bibliographies; describe current…

The activities of the Southwestern Library Cooperative Endeavor (SLICE) project are directed to those concerned with regional, multi-state library networks and continuing education for library staffs. Two SLICE projects are reviewed in this quarterly report: the planning of a six-state regional bibliographic network, and continuing education for…

In a continuing effort to reduce costs and improve internal processes, the Glendale Public Library's book charging and overdue determination system has been examined and an improved method conceived which will free badly needed labor hours within the library. It is proposed that the present photocharging transaction card system be kept, but the…