Describes the use of microcomputer-based voice mail, or automated answering, in libraries. The technology utilized by the systems is described, costs are discussed, features for outgoing and incoming messages are explained, branching capabilities are described, and two vendors who can supply microcomputer-based voice mail units are listed. (LRW)

Discusses some of the factors that librarians should consider when planning to automate their libraries. These factors include vendor and systems selection; equipment; support; additional costs; and time. Seven tips to avoid common automation pitfalls are also given. (MAB)

Reviews the NOTIS "Acquisition Self-Paced Study Guide," designed to teach the inexperienced user the basic features of the NOTIS acquisition module, with references to the "NOTIS Acquisition User Guide" for those who need further study. Contents of the self-paced guide are listed. (EA)

Reviews literature from 1992 that focused on issues concerning acquisitions. Highlights include acquisitions organization; conference reports; pricing issues and budgetary concerns; vendor performance; electronic publishing; automation; and acquisitions abroad. Issues of access versus ownership, copyright, and storage of electronic media are…

Introduces five articles on digital libraries by reviewing related legislation, information networking improvements, efforts to plan a virtual national digital library, and key challenges. The articles are briefly described, and short biographies of the authors are provided. (Contains 10 references.) (KRN)

Reviews the 1992 literature on CD-ROM and its impact on libraries. An international perspective is offered; topics include pricing issues, industry reorganization, effects on library policies and practices, U.S. government publishing, and the multimedia market. A bibliography of 26 books and 388 articles, with a subject guide, is included.…

Describes the development and current status of KORMARC (Korean Machine Readable MARC) format; explains the characteristics of the KORMARC format; discusses the role and influence of KORMARC on the development of library automation in Korea; and suggests prospects for the future, including a library network. (14 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the role of systems librarians (i.e., librarians responsible for library computer systems) reports the results of a survey of academic libraries that examined the duties and responsibilities performed by systems librarians and the knowledge level and skill level required by new systems librarians. (four references) (LRW)

Promotes the use of an automated item file by selective depository libraries for collection management and cooperative collection development. Ways to implement such a device and useful data that it can generate are described. A case study of the implementation of the GOVDOX software by three libraries in Richmond, Virginia, is presented. (Three…

Discusses optical character recognition (OCR) for use with MS-DOS microcomputers. Cost effectiveness is considered, three types of software approaches to character recognition are explained, hardware and operation requirements are described, possible library applications are discussed, future OCR developments are suggested, and a list of OCR…

Describes the debate over the discarding of card catalogs once automated, online library catalogs are implemented. The discussion focuses on the classified catalog of the Science and Technology Department at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. The neglected state of library archives and historical developments in library catalogs are considered.…

Reviews the history of library consortia, examines present activities, and considers future possibilities. Topics include consortium and cooperation; academic consortia; library automation and the development of library consortia; consortia with other countries; and electronic libraries. Tables include library consortia establishment, institutions…

Describes the emergence of communities of digital library (DL)research and practice, explores directions of digital libraries arising from these communities and speculates on future directions which point toward the need for extensive research in digital libraries and for the transformation of libraries as institutions. (AEF)

Iowa State University's cost study proves academic librarians can keep cataloging in-house and save staff costs. Several factors play a role in the productivity surge at ISU: increasing use of shared cataloging; growth of online authoring files; expanding role of support staff; increasing automation of catalogers' work; and structural flattening…

A group of 36 campus administrators, publishers, librarians, and association leaders have identified nine principles to radically change the scholarly publishing system, seen as necessary due to the continuing escalation of prices and volume. Principles focus on creating alternatives to high-cost journals, de-emphasizing publication quantity in…