Discusses various optical disk formats, including 5 1/4 inch and smaller, 12-inch, and 14-inch. Typical applications and factors to be considered in format selection are covered. (MES)

This report of a conference convened by the Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC) Subcommittee on Education provides brief summaries of four panel discussions conducted by 15 federal librarians who had assembled automation systems for their agencies' libraries and information centers. The first panel, consisting of Dean Hough,…

With the advent of the microcomputer, end users need personal information systems that work both at the office and at home and in the external world. The librarian's role could extend from being an information service provider to being a professional counselor on personal information management. (41 references) (MES)

This paper is addressed to librarians and information managers who, as one of the many activities they routinely perform, frequently publish information in such formats as newsletters, manuals, brochures, forms, presentations, or reports. It is argued that desktop publishing--a personal computer-based software package used to generate documents of…

This discussion of methods for selecting an integrated, public-access library system highlights the traditional idealized selection model; participation by the library director, consultant, task force, committees, and vendors; fads and cost figures; selection of the wrong system; and suggestions for an informal approach to purchasing. Five sources…

The first of two volumes of a conference proceedings, this document contains the welcome, the opening, the keynote addresses, and the invited papers, as well as a submitted paper by John Gillam which was not available for publication in the pre-prints (Volume 2) prior to the conference. Three addresses are not included in these proceedings and…

The second of two volumes of a conference preceedings, this volume contains the preprints of five submitted papers, which are published as submitted by the authors: M. Broadbent and L. B. McIntyre, "Information Management: Promise and Reality"; E. Spoor, "Management Information from Library Systems"; R. Walsh, "Integrated…

Presents a model for predicting and shaping the impact of information technologies on libraries and the library role which is based on the effects of computerization in various business applications. The library network at AT&T Bell Laboratories is described as an example of a successful implementation of the model. (CLB)

Describes an information storage and retrieval system for mainframe computer applications and its utilization as a corporate library catalog intended for end-user searching. The changeover from a previous system is discussed and current system features are evaluated. (Author/CLB)

Five prominent consultants project technological advancements that, in some cases, will enhance current library systems, and in many cases will cause them to become obsolete. Major trends include advances in mainframe and microcomputing technology, development of inexpensive local area networks and telecommunications gateways, and the advent of…

Describes the emphasis of decision support systems as being on the decision making process itself, rather than the flow of information; reviews the uses of microcomputers in libraries in recent years; and compares five decision modeling software packages. An appendix lists the name, manufacturer's address, price, and hardware requirements of each…

Describes the implementation of remote public access to the online catalog at the University of Calgary and discusses the technical considerations and difficulties encountered. The resulting cooperative efforts of the library and the university computing center are outlined, and several library service related issues are raised. (CLB)

Reviews developments of online systems in 1986, including available services and databases in several areas, and advances in information storage techniques. The impact of online services on the present and future responsibilities of professional searchers is discussed. (CLB)

Discusses the need for careful systems analysis and design in the implementation of microcomputer based information systems. Checklists of system requirements and a bibliography of relevant journals, printed, and online sources are provided. (CLB)

The "average" costs of integrated library system components--including hardware, software, and related expenses--are outlined to assist in projecting the costs of a small system. Potential benefits of such systems, i.e., areas in which operational costs can be reduced through their use, are also reviewed. (EJS)