In times when the total volume of information is proliferating and information users are demanding greater access and faster response, the librarian is likely to turn to the computer for assistance. Modern computers can provide fast, accurate operations with an enormous capacity for bibliographic data, and they can be accessed through on-line,…

The third phase of a four-phase program developed by the Federal Library Committee Task Force on Library Automation in conjunction with its overall objective of reviewing and reporting upon the status of automation in Federal libraries is reported. The first phase of the overall program appraised the current activities in library automation and…

It is the purpose of this study to provide fresh insight into the nature of library problems by systematically studying the question of size in various information contexts. In the introduction, the role that size plays from the user's point of view is illustrated. In the following sections, a study of the card catalogue, the classification system…

Provides a brief introduction to computer applications in information organizations in China. Highlights include information retrieval (personnel, equipment, bibliographic databases, information retrieval programs and systems, service status); library management; and Chinese character processing (code method, character root method). History,…

A brief look at the substantial body of computer, communication and microphotographic technologies which are available for aiding informational-retrieval processes in libraries. (NH)

Explores nature and magnitude of extensions needed in order to use a library circulation control system as an online catalog, noting Margaret Mann's eight functions of a library catalog, authority control, cross references, correlating subjects, structure revision, adding access, terminal needs, and system reliability. Nine references are cited.…

This review of research on subject searching in library catalogs includes a summary of research findings, reasons for search failures, free text versus controlled vocabulary searching, and studies of users' needs. Suggestions for future action to improve subject access in the online catalog are noted. A 52-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

Describes the preparation for conversion, the implementation of the Guelph Documents System (CODOC) to organize and retrieve government documents, and the resulting benefits in the Guelph Public Library. Eight references are cited. (CHC)

Examines changes in the newsmaking process following the introduction of an electronic newspaper library system. Finds that, although all journalists reported using clip files, 16 percent did not use the electronic library when it was installed. (RS)

Discussion of the Global Information Infrastructure (GII) focuses on a longitudinal study conducted in Central and Eastern Europe that investigated two issues: (1) the relationship between computing networks and library automation in establishing a national information infrastructure, and (2) requirements for library automation for exchanging…

The background and functional capabilities of Stanford's library automation system and the hardware environment in which it operates are described. Prospects for extending BALLOTS to network use are summarized. (Author/PF)

Question analysis and search strategy development were broken down into nine steps for answering reference questions. These steps were examined for possible mechanization of the answering process. Such automation was not proved feasible. (LS)

This report of a conference held at University College in Dublin explores problems associated with cooperation and computer applications involved in networking. An introductory session on the theory and objectives of physical and cooperative networking by Lucy Tedd, a consultant on computer systems in libraries, is followed by Dennis Jenning's…

A questionnaire was sent to all librarians on the Council of State Governments' state legislative reference librarians list and the directors of state library agencies in an effort to provide a data base for future studies and the development of standards in specific areas of legislative reference operations. Replies were received from 48 states.…