This paper highlights potential benefits and more pressing social and legal problems facing Latin American nations in the area of informatics and small computers. Discussion covers potential uses (education, office applications, agriculture, national planning); role of central governments; implications for economic development; and transborder…

An online data retrieval system for administrators of departments at Ball State University is described. The underlying concept is to pull together data elements from operational databases available on the mainframe and to make this information accessible to administrators through a straightforward retrieval system. (MLW)

Outlines the present status of library automation and networking in Australia and explores the issues arising when regional network operations consider their relationship to the national Australian Bibliographic Network: provision of services, standards, network technology, contractual arrangements, economics, and policy. Thirty-eight references…

Describes framework for library networking which consists of six interdependent dimensions to be used for decision making by libraries: functions to be performed, type of access information, types of materials, products and services, networking configurations, and communications means. Use of a series of cost models describing activities within…

Briefly describes various types of telecommunication technologies--cable communications (video and nonvideo uses), instructional television fixed service (provides video programing within a 50-mile radius), satellite communications (links in providing nationwide communications)--and explores their applications in libraries. Libraries and…

Reports on an evaluation of the higher levels of California's statewide reference referral network that involved an unobtrusive method utilizing existing records of actual reference transactions evaluated by panel of judges. Reference evaluation methods, findings of other studies, and other uses of the method are discussed. (Nineteen references…

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…

Library usage study of OCLC network-provided software and services indicates most users make local modifications to standard practices. Findings are discussed in terms of network models for decision making in software use; methodology of software user studies; and diffusion of innovation processes in postimplementation stages of transaction…

This second in a series of six articles introducing microcomputer applications in smaller libraries describes the main microcomputer hardware components--processors, internal and external memory, buses, printers, communications, hardware. Importance of ergonomic factors in equipment design, multi-user and network configurations, and the role of…

The University of South Florida Student Ambassadors, two dozen students chosen by the alumni association, serve as the association's emissary to everyone from fellow students and top administrators to prospective donors and media. Student, campus, and community relations are discussed. (MLW)

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…

Describes use by an elementary school of a floppy disk network system--Radio Shack Network II with a TRS-80 Model III and four Model I microcomputers--for various subject areas and grade levels. Advantages described include lack of problems with downloading programs, ease of operation, and loading time saved. (MBR)

Describes the establishment of the documentation center and the projects it has undertaken: union catalog of social science periodicals and serials; bibliographies (Indian economic, Mahatma Gandhi, area studies, language); retrospective index of periodicals; compilation of indexes and bibliographies assisted by council in its grants-in-aid scheme;…

School districts can obtain computer services with purchase, lease, or network options. The advantages and disadvantages of each are explained. Guidelines are offered for assessing needs and determining costs of computer services. (MLF)

This report considers the effects of new technology (online search services) on user access to information; the role of libraries in providing such access; the structure of a future national information network in the United Kingdom; and general managerial considerations. Seventeen references are cited. (EJS)