Libraries frequently reject automation because of high costs and lack of expertise. A simple, economical, automated serials records system is presented, based on storage of data on IBM cards. The system was implemented at the Radford College Library to best meet numerous needs. Samples of files and reports are given along with maintenance…

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) received a year's grant from the Council on Library Resources to design and develop a library network for the 17 western states. Major activities of the first quarter included: (1) hiring a systems analyst, cost study investigator, research assistant, and secretary, and selecting a…

Compares pricing of seven CD-ROM-based public access catalog systems for libraries of diverse sizes and groupings. Other features of the systems are outlined in the broad areas of database preparation, indexing, database updates, hardware, information retrieval, library controlled elements, interlibrary loan, reports, user support, future…

Data analysis of a questionnaire completed by 38 public libraries in the United States and Canada who possess "turnkey" automated circulation systems is presented. Results show that libraries are enthusiastic about benefits to staff and patrons. For libraries with increasing circulation, the computer allows more time to handle additional work load…

Reports on an informal survey of plans, practices, and strategies in relation to optical reference tools at several research libraries. The discussion focuses on start-up and continued funding, hidden costs, cost savings options, and future costs. (5 references) (MES)

Eight appendices provide information related to a study which was conducted to determine the feasibility of introducing new automatic techniques to Army library technical processing activities; to examine and recommend appropriate systems and configurations for library automation; and to determine costs of implementing the recommendations. The…

Decision-making framework proposed for librarians making automation decisions for their libraries is composed of hierarchically related levels: library functions; services and products; activities; resource components; and measures of costs, performance, attributes, and effectiveness. An economic model based on this framework is used to determine…

Describes the results of a survey of public libraries in Connecticut that was conducted to identify the factors that influence library administrators' decision-making process regarding library automation. Discusses vendor selection, funding, and costs, and copies of the survey questionnaires are appended. (Author/LRW)

To determine the need for additional bibliographic resources in the libraries of British Columbia, Canada, an evaluation was undertaken which included visits to libraries and existing operational catalog support systems, and meetings with advisory committees. Recommendations included: (1) implementation of a province-wide, on-line catalog system;…

Describes a survey of 100 academic libraries that are not members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) which was conducted to determine how many libraries had individual automated workstations for their professional catalogers. Costs and types of equipment are discussed, and the impact of such workstations on productivity, costs, and…

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) received a year's grant from the Council on Library Resources to design and develop a library network for western states. Functions and program plans were developed for the newly established networking organization, Western Interstate Library Coordinating Organization (WILCO), with…

Describes framework for library networking which consists of six interdependent dimensions to be used for decision making by libraries: functions to be performed, type of access information, types of materials, products and services, networking configurations, and communications means. Use of a series of cost models describing activities within…

Compares the operating costs of the CL Systems, Inc. Libs 100 automated circulation system with those of the manual system it replaced. The systems are described, costs defined, methods of data collection explained, and unit costs given. (Author)

Libraries assume a significant financial obligation in the provision of government publications and products. The Government Printing Office (GPO) service roles, service pledges, and depository library service roles are discussed. The GPO's Superintendent of Documents (SUDOCS), an electronic depository program, will place a significant financial…

Faced with task duplication in its public branch libraries, the Library Council of Victoria, Australia, undertook a feasibility study called Technilib to determine whether a central cataloging and processing bureau should be established. Consultants considered the practicality and expense of introducing a centralized cataloging service using the…