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)

Describes Z39.50, a standard prepared by the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) for information retrieval that allows two computer systems connected to a network to exchange messages for the purpose of searching databases and receiving records. Canada's involvement is discussed, and possible library applications are described. (LRW)

Provides a brief description of Usenet, the computer network, and discusses how it may be applied in library settings. How to become a Usenet user, when to choose Usenet instead of a listserv group, and its use as a discussion and reference tool are covered. Six examples of Usenet communications are included. (nine references) (KRN)

Reexamines human factors of human-machine systems from an individual and organizational behavior standpoint, particularly as they relate to library automation. Attitudes about automation, the successful introduction of change, the impact of automation on organizational structure, the impact on humans, and leadership within the human-machine system…