Discussion of Library of Congress's efforts to meet challenge of designing and improving its online catalog system LOCIS (consists of SCORPIO and MUMS systems) includes sample searches and results of user surveys (access points in online catalog searches and response to input search statements resulting in no retrievals). (5 references) (EJS)

Describes resource sharing system in Illinois academic libraries that allows patrons to borrow materials from other libraries through user-friendly interlibrary loan commands on IBM personal computer terminals. Highlights include experiences at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IBM personal computers as terminals, and increase in…

Explores issues surrounding efforts to introduce online catalogs to users and presents relevant research results from Northwestern University's "Educating the Online Catalog User" project. Highlights include attitudes and preconceptions about online catalogs and instruction, research on online catalog use, suggestions for online catalog teaching,…

Five prominent consultants project technological advancements that, in some cases, will enhance current library systems, and in many cases will cause them to become obsolete. Major trends include advances in mainframe and microcomputing technology, development of inexpensive local area networks and telecommunications gateways, and the advent of…

Examines role of cataloger as it has been and is often perceived, and advances view of what role should be. The cataloger's function is discussed in terms of classification and description, automation and change, reclassification as supervisor of nonprofessional staff, cooperation within library, reorganization, and instruction. Thirteen…

Describes implementation of five subsystems of Integrated Library System's (ILS) version 2.1 (minicomputer-based automated library system) at the Pentagon Library: online catalog (search strategies, user acceptance); bibliographic subsystems (cataloging, retrospective conversion); circulation; serials check-in; administrative subsystem (report…

Discusses design features of the Online Catalog of LS/2000, OCLC's enhanced version of Integrated Library System. This minicomputer-based system provides bibliographic file maintenance, circulation control, and online catalog searching. Examples of available displays--holdings, full MARC, work forms, keyword entry, index selection, brief citation,…

Tabulation of an academic library's record of improved success rate and fill time for interlibrary loans utilizing the OCLC interlibrary loan subsystem supports continued use of four common-sense rules: use OCLC first; use other union lists next; select smallest nearby library; spread requests among small libraries. Twelve references are cited.…

Describes and analyzes various methods of automated authority control currently available and suggests questions to ask when considering purchase of system. Highlights include manual versus automated authority control and levels of service in automated authority systems (network, vendor). Glossary of terminology and list of networks and vendors…

Describes the automation of the machine-readable library serials file at Golda Meir Library, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Highlights include purchase of the PERLINE/BOOKLINE system including a MARC interface module called MICA, five main aspects of the problem posed by the library serials conversion project, and use of the text-processing…

Describes the advantages of videodisc technology for storing vast amounts of information and discusses two applications--manual and catalog storage by the manufacturing industry and quick information access by medical and legal professionals. Future videodisc projects and a cost/performance comparison of videodiscs and other information storage…

Discusses the effect of online library catalogs on when, how, and by whom authority control work is done, focusing on experiences at Ohio State University Libraries. Shifts include removal of authority work from automated cataloging procedures, separation of mechanical and intellectual tasks, unique headings and references, and original…

This essay addresses issue of uniformity or consistency in application of subject headings--as distinct from consistency among headings--to books on any given topic. Discussion covers purpose of subject headings or descriptors, reliability of choices made by catalogers when assigning subject headings, and card and online catalogs. (18 references)…

Findings of focused-group interviews conducted for OCLC study of library users and online public access catalogs (OPACs) indicate users like OPACs, have problems finding right subject heading, envision features to improve subject access, want access to more than books, and want OPACs to provide new services. Eight references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses implementation of online Library Circulation System (later known as Library Computer System) at University of Illinois which links campus libraries and provides circulation information to numerous public libraries. Conversion of shelflist into machine-readable form in house and by vendor, input problems, proofreading, vendor…