Outlines current and past library and information education and training in West Africa, focusing on the impacts of technological advancement; suggests information technologies that training programs should be able to access; and discusses formulating new curricula, staffing requirements, and further implications for the countries in this region…

Discusses the interlibrary loan (ILL) protocol, a standard based on the principles of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model. Benefits derived from protocol use are described, the status of the protocol as an international standard is reviewed, and steps taken by the National Library of Canada to facilitate migration to an ILL…

Presents an annotated review of human factors literature that discusses computerized environments. Topics discussed include the application of office automation practices to educational environments; video display terminal (VDT) workstations; health and safety hazards; planning educational facilities; ergonomics in computerized offices; and…

Summarizes the development of science and technology in the Arab Gulf States and discusses the collection building of the libraries in the region, focusing on problems of censorship and finance. Current purchasing methods are described, and the need for automation in acquisitions work and for centralized and cooperative purchasing is discussed.…

A small school system can plan and install an effective computer system by developing a comprehensive plan; involving the personnel who will use the system; relying on vendors with proven records; and recognizing that training is an ongoing process. (MLF)

Provides some basic guidelines for converting a card catalog to a computerized catalog in school libraries. The advantages of using the MARC format are discussed, and three conversion methods (on site, records created by the vendor off site, and full vendor conversion off site) are compared in terms of the work involved, costs, and time. (CLB)

Surveys the current state of computer applications in six areas of library work: circulation control; descriptive cataloging; catalog maintenance and production; reference services; acquisitions; and serials control. Motives for automation are discussed, and examples of representative vendors, products, and services are given. (15 references) (LRW)

Identifies library values affected by technology, including respect for and privacy of the individual, equality of user needs, and freedom of purpose and access. Fundamental changes that may result from technology are predicted in the areas of the library role, functions of staff, fees for services and document delivery, and costs of local and…

Three articles present responses to Summers' predictions of fundamental changes in libraries caused by the use of technology. The discussions cover the role of children's librarians in shaping future users and perceptions of libraries, the positive effects of technology on services to children and young adults, and the need to base library…

Describes a national plan for university libraries in Brazil that recommends a center for computerized cataloging, standard cataloging formats, and the development of an online library network. Discussion focuses on problems associated with online network implementation, such as computer import restrictions, changes in government agencies, and a…

Describes technological advances in hardware and software used for managing school library media centers. Topics discussed include library management systems; system enhancements in microcomputers; library-specific software; CD ROMs; local area networks; online services; administrative applications; and a brief review of criteria for automating…

Describes a graduate engineering course which specializes in model predictive control. Lists course outline and scope. Discusses some specific topics and teaching methods. Suggests final projects for the students. (MVL)

Describes TRESNET, a fully automated resource sharing network that provides an interlibrary loan and film booking system for the public libraries of seven counties and three municipalities in Ontario. The discussion covers the implementation and operation of the network and benefits being derived from it. (Author/CLB)

Reports the results of a study that surveyed online vendors of both large and microcomputer based library management systems to examine patterns of system installation in public, university, college, special, and government libraries in Canada. A directory of online vendors is provided. (CLB)

Each of three articles describes an academic library's online catalog that includes locally created databases. Topics covered include database and software selection; systems design and development; database producer negotiations; problems encountered during implementation; database loading; training and documentation; and future plans. (CLB)