Outlines structural changes in the information supply community effected by the emergence of computer-searchable files as a major information resource together with other developments in electronic technology. Database definitions, interface differences, DuPont experiences, and options available to libraries and information centers are discussed.…

Describes features of the acquisitions subsystem of the online computer system introduced by the Washington Library Network and offered to all participants who use the subsystem and all interested vendors, noting equipment and programs used, and online ordering procedures available. (EJS)

Presents overview of library uses of automation, noting the earliest example of a "black box" in 1588, the "indicator" invented in England in 1863, various forms of card catalogs, and computer solutions posed by Vannevar Bush, J. C. R. Licklider, Project Intrex, and John G. Kemeny. Ten references are cited. (EJS)

Discusses a model telephone reference service focusing on the application of library experience to the design of an online system. The inclusion of current ready reference materials in the database of future automated systems is suggested, and 11 references are listed. (RAA)

Discusses the problem of underutilization of microform holdings whose bibliographic information is not integrated in the library catalog in British libraries, and suggests that the emerging system of cooperative regional networks may form the base for the manipulation and sharing of full microform analytics in Britain. Seven references are listed.…

Describes the preparation for conversion, the implementation of the Guelph Documents System (CODOC) to organize and retrieve government documents, and the resulting benefits in the Guelph Public Library. Eight references are cited. (CHC)

Reviews the origin, current state of development, and subject coverage of the secondary access services available to American social scientists, including bibliographic services for the various academic disciplines and a large variety of specialized services for subdisciplines and interdisciplinary fields. A 10-item reference list accompanies the…

Provides a brief history of the Universal Serials and Book Exchange, describes the services available from USBE, and discusses its plans for the future. (CHC)

Discusses the possible effects of library automation and networking on standards of catalog accuracy, catalog maintenance, circulation control, and other processes, and describes the mission of the Research Libraries Group (RLG), a consortium of 25 research libraries. (FM)

Mechanization of mining is explained in terms of its effect on the mining of coal, focusing on, among others, types of mining, productivity, machinery, benefits to retired miners, fatality rate in underground coal mines, and output of U.S. mining industry. (Author/JN)

Describes the Library Computer System, an online circulation system used in 22 Illinois libraries, that features complete holdings and circulation status information for serials and monographs. Problems in the network environment, plans for modification, and reasons why the system works are identified. References and two additional readings are…

Results of a survey of 20 networks distributing OCLC reveal patterns of service beyond OCLC and a commitment by the networks to automated library support systems, as well as brokerage of other automated services, revenue sources, staff size and growth, and future network planning. The questionnaire and four references are included. (Author/RAA)

Traces the development of circulation systems through the librarian's perception of circulation control and the technology of modern online systems. Librarians have switched from a broad service approach to a narrow record keeping approach and back again as technological innovation has expanded their viewpoints. Included are six references.…

Explains how a multipurpose bibliographic/MARC data base of machine-readable data files (MRDF), created according to the MARC II record format, was conceived, and how much an information resource would benefit the general user and professional librarian. (Author/CWM)

Describes the local off-line data base at North Carolina State University, which is updated from OCLC archive tapes, and reviews the processing required to make this data useful for maintaining the data base and providing some ancillary services. (CWM)