Reports findings of a nationwide survey to determine how select number of libraries (38 respondents) have conducted projects to convert retrospective holdings to machine-readable form. Analysis of the data in areas of planning, budget, effects on user services and cataloging/output, staff, training, and evaluation is discussed. Two sources are…

Because of space and staff constraints, the Vatican Library can issue only 2,000 reader cards a year. Describes IBM's Vatican Library Project: converting the library catalog records (prior to 1985) into machine readable form and digitally scanning 20,000 manuscript pages, print pages, and art works in gray scale and color, creating a database…

Provides a general overview of library automation and a number of suggestions to assist in making decisions about automation in small academic libraries. Three areas of automation are discussed--reference service, circulation, and technical processes--with emphasis on the planning process, implementation, and evaluation. (CLB)

The new manager of the Saint Louis Public Library's cataloging department describes how she dealt with three computer systems, planning for unexpected downtime, juggling staff, balancing different levels of expertise, and upgrading staff technical skills. The development of a cataloging procedures manual is also described. (KRN)

Discusses the role of professional associations in theological librarianship in accreditation, advocacy, and education. The need for the profession to expand its impact on theological research and teaching, the need for preservation of library materials, the impact of new technology on library budgets and practices, and the myth of free…

Three articles examine the effects technology is having on academic library reference services and bibliographic instruction. Highlights include discussions of current and future reference librarian roles, specifically the "human touch" aspect of reference; and examples of reference services undergoing technological advancement and those that have…

Discusses library staff training for microcomputer use. Topics discussed include size of training groups; trainer qualifications; length of time of instruction; resources; evaluation; media format, including audiocassette tapes, videocassette tapes, slides, and software programs; written documentation; and in-service training programs offered by…

Effects of computerized systems in libraries are explored in five articles. The first discusses reasons why maintaining a collection of resources is strengthened rather than weakened by the existence of online databases. The remaining four describe the implementation and use of microcomputers in high school, elementary school, and academic…

Discusses changes in information management and their effects on technical services librarians. Topics discussed include changes at the Library of Congress; the development of national and international bibliographic systems; expansion of local library catalogs; commercial full text databases for end users; new roles for professional librarians;…

Discusses "Information Power" and its effects on school libraries. Topics discussed include social changes and cultural diversity; technological changes; networking and resource sharing; the access, evaluation, and use of information; partnerships between librarians, principals, and teachers; flexible scheduling; and statistics for…