This discussion of library software packages includes guidelines for library automation with microcomputers; criteria to aid in software selection; comparison of some features of available acquisitions, circulation and overdues software; references for software reviews; additional information on microsoftware; and a directory of producers and…

Reviews the development of bibliographic utilities and the approaches used by the major utilities to deal with issues of record ownership and use. The possible effects of a copyright claim registered by OCLC in 1984 on local library consortia and member libraries of OCLC affiliated networks are discussed. (35 notes/references) (CLB)

The development, field testing, and evaluation of a checklist approach to selecting an integrated library automation system are described, and recommendations for using this approach are outlined. The checklist, which is divided into five main sections of catalog features and functions, is appended. (Author/CLB)

Examines aspects of automation of technical services in four public libraries with major emphasis on management decisions (key decisions, constraints limiting options available, decision makers). Factors which emerged as important in determining decisions included municipal council attitudes, facilities available, urgency of need to change,…

This analysis of nine myths of library automation highlights cost effectiveness, circulation control and delinquency rates, budget allocation, staff needs, technical services productivity, the online catalog, need for consultants, the MARC format, and turnkey systems. Views of the reality regarding each myth are offered. (EJS)

The "average" costs of integrated library system components--including hardware, software, and related expenses--are outlined to assist in projecting the costs of a small system. Potential benefits of such systems, i.e., areas in which operational costs can be reduced through their use, are also reviewed. (EJS)

Eight papers cover: optical storage technology; cross-cultural videodisc design; optical disk technology use at the Library of Congress Research Service and National Library of Medicine; Internal Revenue Service image storage and retrieval system; solving business problems with CD-ROM; a laser disk operating system; and an optical disk for…

On the eve of a major change in communications media (from printing to widespread electronic publishing), this article reexamines and projects into future the library's fundamental role as a social institution. Discussion covers three environmental trends, library as an institution, and public policy and economic choices. Twenty references are…

Discusses the development of a research library at Rice University, whose first and only library building is less than 40 years old, highlighting the founding of the University in 1912, the Fondren Library building, library collections and cooperation, fee-based services, automation and the future, and problems and prospects. (EJS)

Four articles outline problems, programing, case studies, and hardware/software selection in library use of microcomputer-based electronic bulletin board systems (BBS). Highlights include the North-Pulaski (Chicago, Illinois) BBS, features of Liverpool Public Library (New York) system, and misuse of a library BBS (obscenity, bulletin board…

A medium-sized aerospace library has developed interim solutions to automation needs by using software and equipment that were available in-house in preparation for an expected integrated library system. Automated processes include authors' file of items authored by employees, journal routing (including routing slips), statistics, journal…

Explains objectives of research on development of an online public access catalog using a proprietary microcomputer network being conducted by the Polytechnic of Central London; examines background of existing local area library networks, problems of network system design, and advantages of distributed processing; and summarizes research…

Defines criteria applicable to implementation of end-user online searching service in academic education library (ease of use, flexibility, administrative ease, security, compatibility with available equipment) and describes systems in four categories--software (front ends, downloaded subsets), gateways, user friendly vendors, and straight vendor…

Overview of the impact of information technology on libraries highlights turnkey vendors, bibliographic utilities, commercial suppliers of records, state and regional networks, computer-to-computer linkages, remote database searching, terminals and microcomputers, building local databases, delivery of information, digital telefacsimile,…

Discussion of the effect of computer technology on library automation and networking highlights added benefits and added costs, autonomous past, pressure for standardization, rise of bibliographic utilities (e.g., OCLC, Research Library Information Network, Washington Library Network), return to decentralization, distributed processing,…