Presents guidelines for utilization, evaluation, selection, and acquisition of CRT terminals for library technical processing systems. An evaluation of the institution's needs is followed by a description of a three-step process of assembling information from advertisements and literature, direct observation and use, and talking to other users of…

Discusses management needs for timely, appropriate, and comprehensive library acquisitions information, noting that the requirement for summary and exception reporting mandates online automated acquisition systems. (Author/FM)

Examines the contributions of the MARC formats to library automation from the perspectives of users, intermediaries, and standards-making bodies. (RAA)

Describes the implementation of a user-oriented online indexing system at the Boys Town Center's Library Services Division. (FM)

Describes a method using computer assistance which merges two or more ordered collections, spreads an ordered collection when it has outgrown the space previously assigned it, rearranges an ordered collection, and moves the collection on to a new location. (CWM)

Identifies various facets of the use of consultants in library automation, including kinds of consultants, their roles, contexts in which they may be used, functional areas in which their values may differ, and equipment alternatives. A bibliography is provided. (FM)

Examines the potential benefits and problems for libraries using a fully automated short record circulation system, one that consists of a number designating the item, enough bibliographic information to identify it, information on its location, and information on the borrower. (FM)

Reviews micrographic developments including relevant publications, applications, hardware, software, and films as they relate to library automation. Some observations are made on the competitive market situation characterizing the industry. (Author)

The state librarian of Michigan looks at how information technology has been used thus far and how it can be used more effectively in the future. Library automation is given as an example of how people can adapt. (JOW)

Small special collections present unique problems for retrospective conversion of catalogs to machine-readable form. Examines retrospective conversion using the Moravian Music Foundation as a case study. Discusses advantages to automation, options for conversion process, quantifying conversion effort, costs, in-house conversion, national standards…

Describes external sources of funding for public libraries to establish and maintain their technology infrastructure, telecommunications services, and network-based resources and services. Highlights include LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act); the E-rate program; and the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation U.S. Library Program. (LRW)

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)