The systems approach is being applied to the re-organization of the United Kingdom Library system. The core functions to the national library organization are: (1) reference; (2) lending; (3) bibliographic services; and (4) general planning associated with the development of a national library and information system. Despite the immense potential…

The Institute of Library Research is a statewide organized research unit of the University of California whose activities have been directed toward the objectives of education, research, and public service. During the period from July 1972 to July 1973, the Institute underwent structural reorganization in which all of its operations were…

More than 100 data banks are listed with notes indicating the sponsoring agency, the type of material stored, where available, and the number of references stored annually. Characteristics of data banks, types of storage, descriptions of devices, and storage organization are briefly discussed in the introduction. Indexes to the data banks listed…

The main objectives of Project BALLOTS (Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations Using a Time-Sharing System) are to control rising technical processing costs and, at the same time, to provide improved levels of service. This report on BALLOTS Phase II is concerned with the development and implementation of the production library…

Discusses the need for careful systems analysis and design in the implementation of microcomputer based information systems. Checklists of system requirements and a bibliography of relevant journals, printed, and online sources are provided. (CLB)

This analysis of nine myths of library automation highlights cost effectiveness, circulation control and delinquency rates, budget allocation, staff needs, technical services productivity, the online catalog, need for consultants, the MARC format, and turnkey systems. Views of the reality regarding each myth are offered. (EJS)

The "average" costs of integrated library system components--including hardware, software, and related expenses--are outlined to assist in projecting the costs of a small system. Potential benefits of such systems, i.e., areas in which operational costs can be reduced through their use, are also reviewed. (EJS)

Eight papers cover: optical storage technology; cross-cultural videodisc design; optical disk technology use at the Library of Congress Research Service and National Library of Medicine; Internal Revenue Service image storage and retrieval system; solving business problems with CD-ROM; a laser disk operating system; and an optical disk for…

Four articles outline problems, programing, case studies, and hardware/software selection in library use of microcomputer-based electronic bulletin board systems (BBS). Highlights include the North-Pulaski (Chicago, Illinois) BBS, features of Liverpool Public Library (New York) system, and misuse of a library BBS (obscenity, bulletin board…

A medium-sized aerospace library has developed interim solutions to automation needs by using software and equipment that were available in-house in preparation for an expected integrated library system. Automated processes include authors' file of items authored by employees, journal routing (including routing slips), statistics, journal…

Defines criteria applicable to implementation of end-user online searching service in academic education library (ease of use, flexibility, administrative ease, security, compatibility with available equipment) and describes systems in four categories--software (front ends, downloaded subsets), gateways, user friendly vendors, and straight vendor…

Discussion of the use of inexpensive microcomputers in local area information networks (LAN) notes such minicomputer problems as costs, capacity, downtime, and vendor dependence, and the advantages of using LAN in offices and libraries, less costly LAN upgrades, library vendors and LAN systems, and LAN problems. A 28-item bibliography is provided.…

Discusses the role of advanced technology in developing new library systems and facilities. Considers the impact of computers on acquisition, reproduction, and availability of material in both general-use libraries and special research facilities, particularly in terms of cost. (JMF)

Librarians providing information services electronically must create useful information systems. This article illustrates that the effectiveness of an information system is characterized by its readability, browsability, searchability, and interactive assistance. Describes the concept of interactive assistance and how it relates to information…

Traces the evolution of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) from its genesis in 1978 and provides an overview of the various categories of standards, international standards organizations, the scope of standards, and the notations used to designate both the standards groups and the actual standards. (SD)