Three articles address the relationship between a library and the vendor of its automated system from several points of view: library-initiated vendor abandonment, vendor-initiated abandonment, nonperforming vendor and nonfunctioning system, and changing systems. Acceptance testing and financial, personnel, and legal aspects of vendor abandonment…

A market system based on user subsidies which can provide libraries with a mechanism for accurately determining user need and incentives to provide more efficient services is suggested. Benefits of the market, equity, assessing staff performance, and exploiting new technologies are highlighted. Nineteen references are provided. (EJS)

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…

Discussion of issues arising from relations between libraries and vendors of computer systems highlights factors influencing how vendors respond to system problems, how libraries could help themselves, purchasing non-existent systems, integrated system dream, and advice on ameliorating problems once an off-the-shelf software system has been…

This article discusses sources from which information used in in-house databases can be obtained and enumerates points to consider in database building phase (test database design ideas against external database if available, make arrangements for data entry, exercise quality control). Fourteen contractors or sources of computerized information…

The optimum use of the microcomputer can emerge when it competes both in cost effectiveness and actual qualitative performance with all other educational media available. Mainframe computers, available in most school districts, can share data with microcomputers via terminals in schools and classrooms and allow microcomputers to operate most…

Discusses planning for the implementation of a high technology system which includes plans for how it will be phased out and an orderly transition made to its successor. System life expectations, user pressures, software modifications, commercial vendors, integrated systems, eroding economies, and replacement planning are highlighted. (EJS)

This examination of development of the journal in the scholarly communication system highlights mission statement of the university, the nurturing environment in science and technology and natural sciences, purposes and processes (review of manuscripts, use of journals by practitioners), and editorial responsiblity and the future. Twenty-four…

Discusses technological developments causing changes in personal information systems: increase in commercial support services; proliferation of microcomputers; capability to download from secondary services into private files; and developing desire to utilize functions such as electronic mail and automated office functions. Appendices list 21…

The types of skills employers require of today's office worker fall into two categories: general office competencies and changing technology skills. (SK)

Describes steps and considerations for developing a plan to consolidate existing computer-related resources and acquire new resources. Covers the preliminary planning process and purposes, institutional commitment, resource support, control issues, administrative and academic needs, faculty involvement and incentives. (LL)

Discussion of online interactive search systems focuses on developments in the area over the past decade, the possibility of the end user undertaking online searching for him/herself, the changing role of the information scientist, implications for the information manager, and electronic publishing. Eight references are included. (EJS)

Reviews and comments on federal policies for secondary information systems and services since World War II and discusses the impact of federal policy on the mission orientation of information services. The evolution of federal information policies is also discussed. A 17-item reference list accompanies the text. (Author/JL)

Examines the development and current status of research on personal information systems, i.e., those systems where an individual collects, annotates, and stores bibliographic information according to his own needs and preferences. Effects of computer-based dissemination services on the growth and management of these systems are discussed. Included…

Economic pressures on the information industry and on libraries are significantly affecting the nature of services and the organization of work within libraries. These effects are illustrated by three phenomena: emphasis on productivity in libraries, marketing of online database searches through libraries, and the repackaging of library services…