Presents a "family tree" of optical technologies with a list of definitions, and briefly discusses some of the issues relating to optical technologies and their use in libraries. (CLB)

Review of trends in public library buildings covers cycles in building activity; financial support; site selection; expansion, remodeling, or conversion of existing buildings; size of buildings; and such architectural concerns as flexible space, lighting, power, accommodation of computer systems, heat and ventilation, fire protection, security,…

Seven vendors express their views on the importance of standards to facilitate the linkage of in-house and external computer systems. The subjects addressed include integrated versus linked systems, national and international standards efforts, and the involvement of librarians in the development of standards. (EM)

Reviews nine significant publications in serials librarianship published from 1981 through 1985. Topics covered include publishing and electronic publishing, cataloging, acquisitions, and serials automation. (Author/EM)

This issue on current options in the area of machine-readable cataloging and retrospective conversion highlights generation and use of machine-readable bibliographic records, editing, standards, online and batch access, keying and coding, full-service cataloging and conversion, interlibrary loan, and authority control. Profiles of 22…

Overview of recent developments in field of telecommunications, especially newer transmission media and equipment, highlights new information services and systems (telebanking, teleshopping, videotex); opportunities for libraries (storing material, information generation, provision of equipment, library management); reasons for adopting new…

Examines the contributions of the MARC formats to library automation from the perspectives of users, intermediaries, and standards-making bodies. (RAA)

Reexamines human factors of human-machine systems from an individual and organizational behavior standpoint, particularly as they relate to library automation. Attitudes about automation, the successful introduction of change, the impact of automation on organizational structure, the impact on humans, and leadership within the human-machine system…

Over 500 libraries have employed OCLC's iCAS and its successor Automated Collection Assessment and Analysis Services (ACAS) as bibliometric tools to evaluate monograph collections. This examination of ACAS reveals both its methodological limitations and its feasibility as an indicator of collecting patterns. The results can be used to maximize the…

This issue focuses on the theme of successful distributed networking in educational computing, both in the United States and in foreign countries. Digital Equipment Corporation's External Research Program is described, and the use of computing to provide solutions in academics and administration for a wide range of users and equipment is…

Briefly explains the principles and uses of expert systems, and reviews the research literature on the use of expert systems for descriptive cataloging. Problems with automatic cataloging are identified and implications for current cataloging rules are discussed. (21 notes with references) (Author/CLB)

In-house library databases or "private files" (online catalog, library-created indexes, citations to journal literature) are discussed, focusing on computer software directories, periodicals, general directories, and online directories as sources for information on computer software. (EJS)

Low cost and high capacity microcomputers now have the potential for improvement of library services at various levels. They seem well adapted for text-processing, preparation of local bibliographies and resource guides, and improvement of online database searching. (Author/RAA)

Discusses database structure, concepts, and management systems in library settings and describes the Comprehensive Automated Learning Resource System (CALS). This system was developed by NILRC to meet the needs of libraries which incorporate print and audiovisual materials in their collections. (RAA)

Summarizes opinions of scholars in various disciplines on workstation history, definition, and functions. Networks and configurations for library workstations, including hardware and software recommendations, are described. The impact of workstations on the workplace resulting in task, process, and institutional transformation, is also considered.…