Presents background information on DOBIS (an online library system) evaluation, software acquisition, and development, and describes the status and plans for DOBIS in the Canadian government. Appendices provide an overview of the Canadian government version of the system from a librarian's and a systems analyst's perspective. (CWM)

Describes the layered model of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI); summarizes the three upper and lower layers; and discusses data communications standards associated with specific layers. Architectural concepts are explored, including hierarchy and abstraction, levels of dialogue, internetworking, and end-to-end communication. OSI is compared…

Systems migration is a fact of life in the library world for various reasons. One of the more recent challenges spurring integrated library systems (ILS) upgrades comes when patrons find new functionality on other Web sites and then expect to search library sites in the same fashion. The migration process entails the following stages: system…

Although originally compiled and published for the California Library Telecommunications Project (an analysis of the telecommunications needs and opportunities for the California State Library on behalf of the state's 169 public libraries), this report also cites examples of, and proposes options for, electronic text use in public libraries…

A history and overview of library services in the health sciences area, beginning with the deluge of information in World War II. Includes discussion of types of libraries and users, special services, interlibrary cooperation, bibliography and research, information retrieval and library mechanization. An extensive list of references is appended.…

This study compares the three versions of DOBIS (Dartmunder Bibliothekssystem) that are currently running in Canada and the Washington Library Network (WLN) systems in order to determine which one is the most appropriate to replicate in support of the British Columbia Library Network (BCLN). Comparisons of systems costs and operating features, the…

Deisgn of Information Systems in the Social Sciences (DISISS) is a research project conducted to describe the main characteristics of the literature of the social sciences using bibliometric techniques. A comprehensive machine readable file of social science serials was developed which is called CLOSSS (Check List of Social Science Serials). Data…

This essay illustrates a technique for reducing the risks of capital investment decisions involving considerable sums for advanced technologies by considering its application to a problem that arises frequently in selection of automated library systems. Incomplete information, using available information, selecting a system, and consultants are…

Two articles address the design of microcomputer networks and the use of local area computer networks (LAN) to improve library automation. Topics discussed include network design criteria, media for local networks, transmission mode, typical communication protocols, user interface, basic local network architectures, and examples of microcomputer…

Discussion of Library of Congress's efforts to meet challenge of designing and improving its online catalog system LOCIS (consists of SCORPIO and MUMS systems) includes sample searches and results of user surveys (access points in online catalog searches and response to input search statements resulting in no retrievals). (5 references) (EJS)

This second article in a series discusses the implementation and use of BASIS, a software management system developed and distributed by Batelle, for a database consisting of bibliographic book records and circulating book records. Field names and their content, creation and entry of a record, and sample records are included. (EJS)

Five prominent consultants project technological advancements that, in some cases, will enhance current library systems, and in many cases will cause them to become obsolete. Major trends include advances in mainframe and microcomputing technology, development of inexpensive local area networks and telecommunications gateways, and the advent of…

Describes computerization of routine library procedures on Apple microcomputers at a small regional campus of Ohio University. Highlights include use of a database management program--PFS:FILE--for acquisition lists, equipment/supplies inventory, microfilm and periodicals management, and statistical manipulations, and a spreadsheet…

Describes use of personal computer at George Mason University to provide support to the online catalog. Merging of bibliographic information in MS-DOS format into database management system and experimentation with full-text retrieval packages (ZyIndex and SIRE) are discussed. Addresses and price information for hardware and software packages…

Describes and analyzes various methods of automated authority control currently available and suggests questions to ask when considering purchase of system. Highlights include manual versus automated authority control and levels of service in automated authority systems (network, vendor). Glossary of terminology and list of networks and vendors…