With the introduction of the library's OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog), CD-ROMs, the Internet, and OhioLINK, the University of Toledo library is faced with technological, instructional, and other challenges. The main challenge is the lack of a mediated classroom for group instruction. Current paper-based teaching methods do not always allow…

Examines the different concepts and orientations of the two major approaches to the role of metadata in the digital library (library science-oriented bibliographic control and computer science-oriented data management), and proposes an integrated concept of metadata to facilitate the merging of these two approaches. Discusses ongoing efforts to…

Describes LISPA (Library and Information Center Staff Planning Advisor), a set of programs based on Ranganathan's staff plan model. LISPA particularly aids in planning for library staff requirements, both professional and paraprofessional, in developing countries where automated systems for other library operations are not yet available.…

Discussion of the philosophy of reserve collections in academic libraries focuses on how the University of Canterbury Library (New Zealand) deals with high demand materials and the role an automated library system can play. Comparisons of reserve materials are made by subject areas and level of study, and future possibilities are considered.…

This research examines the changes that electronic information technologies have caused on power within organizations, particularly related to library automation, academic libraries, and their positions on college campuses. Based on the strategic contingencies theory of intraorganizational power, a model of organizational power is developed and…

Discusses the history and development of the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC). Topics include the relationship with Dewey Decimal Classification; revision process; structure; facet analysis; lack of standard rules for application; application in automated systems; influence of UDC on classification development; links with thesauri; and use…

Fourteen articles address issues related to library personnel administration in an automated environment, such as education for automation, salaries, impact of technology, expert systems, core competencies, administrative issues, technology services, job satisfaction, and performance appraisal. A selected annotated bibliography is included. (MES)

The development of the online database for art and architectural slides at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is described, along with adjustments made to accommodate the use of nonbook materials, descriptive language within an existing MARC-based system, and the integration of the database with the library's online catalog for books. (EAM)

Discusses the traditional role and functions of research library technical services departments and examines the impact of electronic information and information technology on technical services. It is argued that technical services units will stagnate if they do not accept the responsibility of becoming technologically adept. (19 references) (CLB)

Describes the implementation of the Western Library Network's LaserCat CD-ROM catalog in the medium-sized academic library at the University of Idaho. Selection of LaserCat, creation of a LaserCat/Information desk in the library lobby, staff training, staff reactions, and user reactions are discussed. (Nine references) (Author/MES)

Describes Structured Query Language (SQL), the result of an American National Standards Institute effort to standardize language used to query computer databases and a common element in second generation database management systems. The discussion covers implementations of SQL, associated products, and techniques for its use in online catalogs,…

Discusses the technological changes that will necessitate the prospective conversion of library data over the next decade and addresses the problems of converting data from obsolete personal computers to newer models that feature radically different operating systems. Three case studies are used to illustrate possible scenarios. (11 references)…

Details the design, financial support, organizational structure, and evolution of a program to facilitate the automation of small public libraries in Massachusetts and to promote resource sharing among those libraries. A sidebar by Governor Dukakis expresses his views on the role and importance of libraries. (MES)

Explains the process used at Oakton Community College in Illinois to automate the system for renting audiovisual titles. Describes the previous rental process and the new system utilizing dBASE III. Illustrates the features and products of the new system. (DMM)

Highlights some of the developments in the following areas that have taken place during the period 1977-87 in British university libraries: (1) library resources; (2) automation; (3) collection building; (4) technical services; (5) reader services; (6) management and staffing; and (7) cooperation. (71 references) (MES)