The new Fac-Back-OPAC (a faceted backup OPAC) is built on code that was originally developed by Casey Durfee in February 2007. It represents the convergence of two prominent trends in library tools: the decoupling of discovery tools from the traditional integrated library system (ILS) and the use of readily available open source components to…

In this article, the author argues the need for transparency with regard to the automation systems used in libraries. As librarians make decisions regarding automation software and services, they should have convenient access to information about the organizations it will potentially acquire technology from and about the collective experiences of…

This report focuses on funding and services provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants to States program in the most recent full reporting years. IMLS grants to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAA's) represent the single largest source of federal funding for the nation's libraries and are the only…

This article discusses some of the premigration tasks at Minnesota State Mankato in preparation for migration to a new integrated library system, ALEPH. The authors describe the review of circulation policies to make sure that only relevant, current data and practices were carried over. There is emphasis on the need for ongoing review of policies…

Purpose: To describe the first year of the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) in Middlesex University Learning Resources. Design/methodology/approach: The technology is explained in detail to set the scene. Information on the implementation is presented in chronological order. Findings: Problems which would generally be…

The output, general operation, and timesaving advantages of the automated circulation system in operation at American University are described. (Author/PF)

The first of two articles looks at reasons for library automation vendor failure and techniques that libraries can use to assess and reduce their risk in vendor selection. In the second article, representatives of eight prominent automation firms discuss industry problems. Three references are listed. (MES)

It is argued that the acceptance of library automation reflects a total lack of the critical evaluation that its expense would seem to require. (4 references) (Author/SJ)

Ellsworth Mason's two recently published papers, severely criticizing library automation, are refuted. While admitting to the failures and problems, this paper also presents the positive accomplishments in a brief evaluation of the status of library automation in 1971. (16 references) (Author/SJ)

Reports on the design of a knowledge base for an automatic classification in the library science field by using the facet classification principles of colon classification. Discusses inputting titles or key words into the computer to create class numbers through automatic subject recognition and processing title key words. (Author/LRW)

This overview of telecommunications for librarians provides background on the following topics: (1) basic terminology; (2) cable television; (3) microwaves; (4) local area networking; (5) wide area networking; (6) X.25 networking; (7) other types of network media; and (8) mobile data radio. (MES)

For most people on campuses, September means revising syllabi, enjoying football, or avoiding the person you broke up with last spring. For college librarians, it marks the beginning of "renewal season." It is time for the tedious work of placing orders and negotiating licenses for next year's journals. However, relief may be on the horizon.…

Traditional library web products, whether online public access catalogs, library databases, or even library web sites, have long been rigidly controlled and difficult to use. Patrons regularly prefer Google's simple interface. Now social bookmarking and tagging tools help librarians bridge the gap between the library's need to offer authoritative,…

Priorities for automation in developing countries are serials and periodicals lists, bibliography and special catalogs, abstracting and indexing. (Author)

The decision table is a valuable aid in describing, understanding, and improving both manual and automated library procedures. This article explains how these tables are made and used. Several examples and a bibliography are given. (Author)