This brief planning guide for library automation incorporates needs assessment and evaluation of options to meet those needs. A bibliography of materials on automation planning and software reviews, library software directories, and library automation journals is included. (CLB)

Identifies questions that school librarians considering retrospective conversion should ask to evaluate their catalog needs and questions to ask vendors about their conversion methods. Comparative data about various vendors and methods of retrospective conversion are provided, along with a list of vendor addresses. (CLB)

Outlines the stages in the decision-making process for libraries acquiring optical data disk systems, including the establishment of a project manager or task force, feasibility studies, creating a planning document, hardware and software evaluation, devising processes and policies, and analyzing contracts. (CLB)

Provides practical information for librarians beginning to use online searching for reference services at the high school level. Selection of equipment, software, and database vendors are discussed, as well as financing, involvement of the school administration, and working with users to determine their information needs. (CDD)

Twelve articles provide practical information for high school librarians computerizing their libraries, including suggestions for purchasing software and hardware, planning and managing a computer laboratory, and using computers for student instruction and for library procedures. A suggested basic software collection for the secondary library…