Reports on an interview with Ron Diener, head of the Office for Systems Planning and Research at Harvard University Library. (PF)

Suggests that inexperienced buyers inform themselves and seek expert advice before making decisions to buy some of the more complex and costly computer-based library systems being offered. General guidelines are presented for selecting a system and for using consultants. Considered also are the mutual needs of librarians and vendors. (JPF)

This article describes the activities of the U.S. Library of Congress Network Development Office and the present operation and future plans of the U.S. Library of Congress National Bibliographic Service. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating how the networking activities related to each other and the importance of this relationship. (Author/JAB)

Summarizes proceedings of the Library and Information Technology Association's third five-year assessment of the state of the art of library automation. Highlights include both descriptions of presentations and comments from conference participants. (JPF)

A plea to the Library of Congress to adopt the British Preserved Content Index System (PRECIS), which is capable of enormous variations of output and precise analysis of subject content with no loss of clarity and simplicity for the user, and to reconsider the decision to overhaul the LC Subject Headings. (JPF)

Description of inefficiency and limitations of today's office systems is followed by discussion of new technologies available and their costs and benefits. (MBR)

This report of the American Library Association's 1987 conference in San Francisco summarizes meetings on: local area networks, personal liability of library trustees, librarian shortages, AIDS education, CD-ROM technology, literacy, Black librarians and the political process, and restriction of young adult literature. Exhibit highlights are also…

Discusses several areas to be considered in planning for library automation: (1) cataloging standards; (2) MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) format; (3) database design; (4) retrospective conversion; (5) REMARC, a retrospective conversion service; (6) MiniMARC, a stand-alone cataloging support system; (7) copy-specific file conversion; and (8)…

Describes the components of computer systems and library systems, and discusses several topics related to computer systems in the library environment: the systems approach and libraries; systems engineering and systems environment; natural and artificial systems; the importance of the systems approach; and the understanding of computer systems and…

A study investigated the use of automated office equipment and microcomputers by Fortune 500 managers. A vast majority indicated a use for their correspondence, but a minority use a personal computer for their own work. Spreadsheets were the most frequently used application. (JOW)

Provides background on the California State Library, a description of the Library and Courts Building, and a summary of automation objectives. Concerns in renovation to accommodate a modern library are then discussed: (1) environment; (2) electrical and telephone circuitry; (3) data and voice communications; (4) physical factors; and (5)…

This review of the 1986 literature on cataloging covers seven topics: (1) international aspects of description; (2) Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2d Edition; (3) principles of description; (4) cooperative cataloging; (5) authority control; (6) issues in the management of cataloging; and (7) catalogers. Seventy-seven references are listed. (MES)

This discussion of the effects of library automation and networking on original catalog librarians describes personal experiences with the transition from a manual to an automated cataloging system at the Michigan State University Libraries, and presents recommendations for the future. (MES)

Manufacturing isn't what it used to be, and the United States must ensure its position in the world trade market by educating factory workers in new automated systems. A computer manufacturing engineer outlines the training requirements of a modern workforce and details robotic training devices suitable for classroom use. (JN)

Discusses the connection between the fields of terminology and information science and demonstrates the importance of linguistics, in particular the theory of terminology, in the automation of such information processes as classification, indexing, and abstracting. Fourteen references are cited. (Author/EJS)