This article offers a working definition and general comments on the purchasing of library turnkey systems (package including hardware and software required to accomplish a clearly defined task). Turnkey versus customized, selecting a turnkey system, request for proposal, contracting with vendors, and post installation evaluation are discussed.…

Outlines innovations in library tools made possible by use of computer output microfilm. (PF)

A small academic library that took advantage of the OCLC online cataloging service by becoming a secondary user recounts the process of initiating use, and outlines its weekly working procedure, including costs. (MBR)

A model to calculate the costs of automated cataloging systems based on cataloging copy in a system's data base is developed. The costs derived by the model for two systems, OCLC and BALLOTS, are compared to the costs of an existing manual system. (Author/KP)

Presents an inexpensive search system which would be very easy to adapt to a library's data processing requirements and would give a smaller library the opportunity to go on-line. (Author/PF)

This paper describes an automated card catalog system, developed for the Dartmouth Regional Library in Nova Scotia, which uses records of selected fixed-length fields; it is proposed as a prototype for a system meeting the needs of a public library system with a collection size of about 100,000 items. The costs of operating a catalog system based…

Addresses the dilemma faced by libraries as the success of public online access catalogs results in an increasing budget obligation over which the library has no control if it is to continue to provide the service. Issues discussed include budget transfers, budget increases, subsidies, and user fees. (EJS)

Describes the local, in-house designed, automated, on-line circulation system which has been in operation at the public library in Farmers Branch, Texas, since October 1, 1975. The relatively inexpensive system is linked to the IBM System 3 Model 10 in the city data processing department. (JVP)

A review of M.I.T.'s INformation TRansfer EXperiments (Project Intrex). The Intrex system includes an augmented catalog stored inan online interactive computer in combination with full-text storage on microfiche. There are discussions of details of the catalog structure, user experiments, economic studies, and information-system networking.…

The Apple-based MITINET system uses several forms of technology (Library of Congress MARC file in microfiche, microcomputers, COM vendor) to produce library database and COM catalog. Cost for MITINET software is based on number of branches or buildings performing conversion, and varies from $250 to $85 per building or branch. (EJS)

Examines trends in costs of conventional library operation and costs of electronic devices which may pervade libraries of future. Library costs in 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, library automation, total library operating expenditures for university and college libraries, and rate of adoption of electronic techniques are covered. Sixty-three references…

The developments over the past decade in the use of on-line systems by libraries are recounted. Cost is discussed as an initial deterrent, and then as a catalyst for change. (MBR)

Considers aspects of building, maintaining, and using United States MARC format and other related standards, discussing costs and benefits, MARC and the American National Standards Institute's Z39 standard, effects of MARC on content and processing, compatibility between and within standards, and MARC in practice. Nineteen sources are cited. (EJS)

A retrospective conversion tool permitting libraries with a microfiche reader and Apple microcomputer to convert bibliographic and holdings files to computer-readable tapes in MARC format is described. The basic process, library costs and MARC tape costs, use of system in Wisconsin, and user's view of the system are noted. (EJS)

Reviews publications for 1981 pertaining to cataloging and bibliographic control of serials, standardization and automation developments in the bibliographic control of serials, serial union list development, serials delivery systems (including electronic publishing), and library serials departments. A 52-item bibliography is included. (JL)