This review of the process of retrospective conversion (recon)--conversion of existing bibliographic records into machine-readable form--notes options and services (bibliographic utilities, commercial vendors); new technologies (microcomputer and optical-disc-based systems); collaboration and a coordinated recon strategy; cooperative efforts; and…

Reports on database management system (dbms) applications designed by library school students for university community at University of Iowa. Three dbms design issues are examined: synthesis of relations, analysis of relations (normalization procedure), and data dictionary usage. Database planning prior to automation using data dictionary approach…

Discussion of planning, installation, and results of an online catalog at University of Maryland Health Sciences Library highlights Integrated Library System, speed and patron perceptions of online catalog, searching power, ways in which catalog can bypass physical and organizational boundaries, and effect on staff and users of the library. (EJS)

Discusses use of microcomputer hardware and software, telecommunications methods, and advanced library methods to create a specialized information center's database of literature relating to farm machinery and food processing. Systems and services (electronic messaging, serials control, database creation, cataloging, collections, circulation,…

This discussion of current microcomputer technologies available to libraries focuses on software applications in four major classifications: communications (online database searching); word processing; administration; and database management systems. Specific examples of library applications are given and six references are cited. (EJS)

Considers site requirements that should be specified by the library and the vendor for a library automated system located at a central site away from the library, including size of site, the environment, cleanliness, electrical power, security/safety (fire, restricted access), site certification, telecommunications, and terminal sites. (EJS)

Background information about Peninsula Library Automated Network member libraries and description of the circulation system of choice include basic components of this cooperative effort: Joint Powers Agreement and organizational structure; jurisdiction responsibilities and financial planning; database and policy areas requiring joint decision;…

Development and implementation of an off-line catalog card production system and an on-line shared cataloging system are described. An account is given of system design and equipment selection for the on-line system. File organization and programs are described, and the on-line cataloging system is discussed. (16 references) (Author/SJ)

Online database searching experiences of nine Illinois public libraries--Arlington Heights, Deerfield, Elk Grove Village, Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Schaumburg Township, Waukegan, Wilmette--are discussed, noting search costs, user charges, popular databases, library acquisition, interaction with users, and staff training. Three sources are…

This description of the development of an academic research library in Los Angeles includes a brief history of the University of California, and discusses university librarians, library buildings, special collections, automation, and cooperative programs. (EJS)

Discusses the impact of local online databases on library reference services, including their integration with remote files such as Dialog, Orbit, and the Information Bank. Online catalog databases, multiple local databases (analytics for journal articles, indexes), and batch processing of data are noted. Six references are cited. (EJS)

Presents overview of three decades of library automation: the 1960s, dominated by primitive local systems; the 1970s, dominated by large multitype and multipurpose networks; and the 1980s, which will be dominated by a return to local systems. Bibliographic utilities and library networks and cooperation are noted. Twenty-one references are listed.…

Reports on the retrospective conversion via OCLC of cataloging for three library collections at the University of South Carolina--the main, rare book, and historical collections. Backgrounds of the collections, conversion procedures, determinants of conversion rates, and cost factors are discussed. (Author/JL)

Describes the development of telephone communications links between automated circulation systems in six public library systems in the state of Maryland, and discusses the implications of such links for interlibrary loan programs. (JL)

Retrievability of titles of 152 periodicals were compared in a fixed-length algorithmic search (Library Computer System) and a keyword search (Washington Library Network) to determine which type of search algorithm is more successful with titles of varying lengths. Three references and a list of English language stopwords are appended. (EJS)