This discussion of the use of optical scanning and computer formatting for retrospective conversion focuses on a series of applications known as Optical Scanning for Creation of Information Databases (OSCID). Prior research in this area and the usefulness of OSCID for creating low-priced machine-readable data representing older materials are…

Describes problems faced by late medieval libraries during period of transition from the manuscript to the printed book. A translation of a manual created for a Swiss monastery circa 1520 provides information on librarian's duties, arrangement of the library, procedures for inventorying and cataloging, circulation, and public services. (31…

This sixth and final course installment discusses subject access to information through the online catalog. Highlights include online catalog transaction logs (printouts showing each step in all searches done in system), search effectiveness, online user training, unified access, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and online catalog design.…

In this fourth of five course installments, statements by four practitioners and researchers on role of Library of Congress (LC) and its subject headings in improving subject access to United States libraries are presented. Comments from LC and a tabulation of suggestions from 10 respondents are included. (EJS)

Poses four issues concerning library catalogs and cataloging and presents suggestions toward resolution of these problems. Cost considerations, cataloging system design, the catalog's role in shaping service users receive and those they are encouraged to seek, and contradictory requirements of the catalog are highlighted. (EJS)

This essay suggests that until online public access catalogs can be truly user-friendly by encouraging searchers to learn and control and relearn, making systems too easy is not in the users' or systems' best interests. Experiences at Library of Congress and examples of search strategies and menu systems are noted. (EJS)

Describes historical background of "Register"--main entry microfiche catalog of New York Public Library master negatives of monographs--and bibliographic problems of compiling catalog whose entries have been prepared according to differing cataloging rules; methodology used to produce fiches; means by which "Register" can be…

Discussion of subject access through classification number searching in online library catalogs highlights the present classification climate, increased potential for classification retrieval, effect of past and present practice on effectiveness of class number access, and proposals for action. Thirty-two sources are given. (EJS)

This review of public domain software (written by individuals who release programs for free copying and distribution) focuses on disk utility programs which deal with the manipulation of files on disks (finding, moving, changing, viewing, organizing, storing). Sources for identifying programs and three addresses for software distribution are…

A regionally organized program for serials bibliography is proposed because of the large volume of complex data needing control and the many purposes to which the data can be put in support of regional or local needs. (2 references) (Author)

Side by side articles pose questions and provide replies about Books in Print.'' Subjects covered include: its completeness, whether it is an index to The Publishers' Trade List Annual,'' how information is compiled, its reliability, redundancy, cost, legal responsibility and time factors involved. (DH)

A broad overview of library cooperation in the United States from 1875 to 1970 is presented. The most important developments in cooperative efforts during this period are briefly discussed from both an historical and sociological perspective. Future needs are mentioned. (8 references) (Author/KE)

Discusses the Yellow Pages of Learning Resources'' (MIT Press), a catalog to using the city as a classroom. (MB)

Results of a survey of librarians, book collectors, and bookdealers on problems and practices in the out-of-print book trade. Focuses on reprints, buying through dealers catalogs, and searching for a specific title. Includes extensive bibliography. (JS)

Computer-based serials listings are a popular method by which libraries make their serial holdings available. Various kinds of union lists are examined to determine the most effective and least costly ways a library can have a list and attendant benefits for its own purpose, and also join in cooperative efforts. (8 references) (Author/NH)