Assesses the status of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), focusing on its membership, financial problems, new headquarters, terminal equipment, Videotex possibilities, and relationship with regional library networks. (EJS)

Describes features of the acquisitions subsystem of the online computer system introduced by the Washington Library Network and offered to all participants who use the subsystem and all interested vendors, noting equipment and programs used, and online ordering procedures available. (EJS)

Discusses the problem of underutilization of microform holdings whose bibliographic information is not integrated in the library catalog in British libraries, and suggests that the emerging system of cooperative regional networks may form the base for the manipulation and sharing of full microform analytics in Britain. Seven references are listed.…

Provides a brief history of the Universal Serials and Book Exchange, describes the services available from USBE, and discusses its plans for the future. (CHC)

Discusses the possible effects of library automation and networking on standards of catalog accuracy, catalog maintenance, circulation control, and other processes, and describes the mission of the Research Libraries Group (RLG), a consortium of 25 research libraries. (FM)

Describes the Library Computer System, an online circulation system used in 22 Illinois libraries, that features complete holdings and circulation status information for serials and monographs. Problems in the network environment, plans for modification, and reasons why the system works are identified. References and two additional readings are…

Results of a survey of 20 networks distributing OCLC reveal patterns of service beyond OCLC and a commitment by the networks to automated library support systems, as well as brokerage of other automated services, revenue sources, staff size and growth, and future network planning. The questionnaire and four references are included. (Author/RAA)

Discusses the actual and potential impact of local shared automated library systems on the development of a comprehensive nationwide bibliographic database (NBD). Shared local automated systems are described; four local shared automated system models are compared; and the current interface between local shared automated library systems and the NBD…

Examines the information infrastructure and the impact of information technology in India. Highlights include attempts toward automation; library networking at the national and local level; descriptions of four major networks; library software; and constraints of networking in academic libraries. (LRW)

Describes the experience of an American Library Association (ALA) Fellow at Can Tho University (Vietnam) assisting Khmer monks at the library of Wat Muniransyarama (Temple of Intelligent Light) in designing and implementing a library automation system and network. Highlights the preservation of Khmer and Theravada Buddhist texts and the efforts of…

This paper describes a decision making framework for library networking which can be used by individual libraries, groups of cooperating libraries, or centralized services to evaluate current operations and define alternative approaches to automation and networking. It is noted that networking has not yet achieved its full potential because of a…

In a new era of austerity in academic libraries, more realistic concepts of collection building will have to be adopted and new patterns of service will have to be devised. (Author/PF)

The main instrument of data collection in this survey of library technical processing centers was a questionnaire sent to 16 network coordinators. Following a review of current literature, results of the questionnaire are discussed with regard to five areas: (1) each network's means of identification (definition) of processing centers, (2) types…

The OCLC Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Communications Subsystem provides participating libraries with on-line control of ILL transactions. This user manual includes a glossary of terms related to the procedures in using the system. Sections describe computer entry, searching, loan request form, loan response form, ILL procedures, the special message…

In order to optimize the use of available bibliographic data in machine-readable form by Canadian Libraries, the National Library of Canada is developing new automated systems. Implementation priorities are related to the development of national and international standards, systems, and networks. One major project is the design of a system, using…