Discussed are applications of robotics in the chemistry laboratory. Highlighted are issues of precision, accuracy, and system integration. Emphasized are the potential benefits of the use of robots to automate laboratory procedures. (CW)

Discusses topics relating to the Virginia Tech Library System: the company (VTLS, Inc.); the software; data structure; cataloging, status, and authority control; circulation; serials control and acquisitions; the online catalog; management reporting; networking; and the operating environment. Sidebars discuss the Vanilla Network; LINNEA--a network…

Contributors from five libraries--Bentley College, Boston University, the College of Charleston, the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and the Resource Sharing Alliance of West Central Illinois--describe their automation projects, including staff impact; costs and funding; time and schedules; users; computer support; vendors; and consultants.…

The first paper describes the National Technical Information Service productivity improvement system and its emphasis on human resources development. The second addresses the benefits of telecommuting to employers and employees. The third discusses the problems generated by the baby boom work force pressing for advancement at a time when many…

Provides a chronology of news library automation and describes the current functions and services of a newspaper library. Areas discussed include clerical tasks, automated clip files, the use of free text searching and field specificity in newspaper databases, the development of online experts, and the impact on the skills required of news…

Offers advice on the principles of successful fund raising, specifically addressing small libraries and fund raising for automation. The discussion covers the need for careful planning, identification of receptive funding sources, and clear communication of needs and objectives. A sidebar provides information on the Foundation Center, an…

Describes a project to convert and make available current MARC records in a local online file. The procedure described involves obtaining records from the National Library's Canadian MARC Record Distribution Service, Mounting the Records on DOBIS, and transferring them for ordering and cataloging purposes. (CLB)

Analyzes trends in the library automation marketplace. Market shares for online vendors are examined in terms of total installations, academic libraries, public libraries, revenues, differently sized systems, and foreign installations. Hardware availability, operating systems, and interfaces with MARC are also discussed for each vendor. A source…

Explores the qualities of bibliographic and object entities that contribute to the similarities and differences in the data describing them and the possibility of cooperation between indexers of art objects and indexers of bibliographic information. The discussion covers the role of authority control as the linking component between bibliographic…

Describes the Utlas database with specific reference to its design, file structure, and content. Features discussed include access to the database, products and services supported by the database, interfaces to local systems, the interactions between bibliographic and authority records, and Japanese language processing. (Author/CLB)

The introduction to a special issue on locally loaded databases in online library systems discusses three trends in using technology to provide greater access to materials available in library collections: unification of local collections; access to outside resources; and inclusion of reference works and full text in online catalogs. (three…

Provides an overview of the 1995 automated system marketplace, compiled by analysis of data gathered from 27 vendors. Topics include sales data; dominant vendors in different library sectors; company restructuring and consolidation; plans for technological upgrades, especially Internet connectivity, and improved customer support, service, and…

This second in a two-part series on Data Research Associates, a vendor for turnkey automatic library systems, focuses on hardware and software. Highlights include the requirement for VAX hardware; software modules that relate to MARC records; the Library System menu structure; training opportunities; user comments; and future directions. (LRW)

Reports results of the 1994 Automated System Marketplace survey based on responses from 60 vendors. Highlights include changes in the library automation marketplace; estimated library systems revenues; minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems; marketplace trends; global markets and mergers; research needs; new purchase processes; and profiles…

Discussion of format changes in libraries focuses on managing change and phasing out older formats. Standardization is addressed, and five considerations regarding format shifts are examined: aesthetics, audience, compatibility, costs, and copyright. (MES)