Reviews pilot project at the University of Southern California to convert the traditional card catalog to a COM catalog. This involved identification of essential and nonessential catalog data elements and assessment of users' reaction toward the sudden change in form and content of the catalog. (CWM)

Describes a breakthrough in omni-font optical character recognition (OCR) that will permit economical automation of library catalogs and other library processes within the next few years. (RAA)

Automating a library system via computer can increase efficient handling of all operations including circulation, cataloging, acquisition, and bibliographic reference. (Author/MK)

Discusses the role of advanced technology in developing new library systems and facilities. Considers the impact of computers on acquisition, reproduction, and availability of material in both general-use libraries and special research facilities, particularly in terms of cost. (JMF)

Librarians providing information services electronically must create useful information systems. This article illustrates that the effectiveness of an information system is characterized by its readability, browsability, searchability, and interactive assistance. Describes the concept of interactive assistance and how it relates to information…

From an organizational approach to virtual or digital libraries (V/DL), this study places V/DL in the context of the academic library, focusing on relevant opinions of library heads. Findings suggest that the library heads typically understand V/DL as digital materials, are mainly supportive of V/DL understood in this way, and demonstrate the…

The collection and services of the Alexandria Digital Library (ADL) at the University of California Santa Barbara focus on geospatial information sources with links to geographic locations. Evaluation studies conducted within the ADL project are described as well as what was learned about user characteristics and reactions to ADL. (Author/AEF)

Describes AcqWeb, a Web site that has pertinent information for library acquisitions. Topics include the partnership with ACQNET, the electronic news group for acquisitions; AcqWeb's structure; editorial policy; the International Directory of E-mail Addresses of Publishers, Vendors and Related Professional Associations; and future possibilities.…

Describes the development of the national integrated online information network in the Republic of China. Highlights include a history of library and information automation in Taiwan, the coordination efforts of the central government, creation of the Chinese MARC format, and automation under the leadership of the National Central Library.…

Describes ways in which microcomputer technology can help school media centers with collection development. The need to map the media center collection is discussed, benefits of collection mapping are explained, the need to consider curriculum requirements is emphasized, and setting up a database and spreadsheet is discussed. (LRW)

Fifteen articles cover issues related to academic libraries in Illinois, including the library of the future, expert systems, information brokers, impacts of technology on reference services, bibliographic instruction, training, shared authority control, needs of minority students, professional associations, library cooperation, and interlibrary…

Reports results of a content analysis that was conducted to determine the coverage of issues relating to academic libraries in the "Chronicle of Higher Education." Topics discussed include automation; presidential libraries; special collections; copyright; federal legislation; and a bias toward the Washington, D.C., area and toward large…

Discusses differences in archival and bibliographic description of maps and suggests options for developing standards in the control of cartographic archives. The automation of archival access using the MARC format for Archival and Manuscripts Control (AMC) is described, and examples of bibliographic records for maps are given. (11 references)…

Traces the evolution of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) from its genesis in 1978 and provides an overview of the various categories of standards, international standards organizations, the scope of standards, and the notations used to designate both the standards groups and the actual standards. (SD)

Discusses how various Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) application layer protocols can be used together, along with the Presentation and Session protocols, to support the interconnection requirements of applications. Application layer protocol standards that are currently available or under development are reviewed, and the File, Transfer,…