An attempt is made to relate technological potentials and limitations to some of the major current trends, problems, and objectives of the library. Attention is focused on the large, university, research-oriented library since it is here that one finds the most difficult resource access and bibliographic control problems. A synopsis is presented…

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) inhouse library systems fall into two principle categories: basic library inventory systems and literature retrieval systems. Currently, the library network supports three inventory systems: the journal system; the hard bound book system; and the circulation system. At the same time, five efforts are…

This overview study examines the systems presently used at Purdue University to circulate library and audiovisual materials in the general library, the 28 departmental libraries, and the audiovisual center. Also examined are three basic approaches to the automation of library circulation systems, with examples drawn from systems already in…

Existing technologies that may have to be accommodated in libraries of the future include: microform catalogs, on-line catalogs, automated circulation systems, automated acquisition systems, video equipment, on-line reference services, facsimile transmission devices, microform reader-printers, and on-line cataloging terminals. Most of these…

Several consultants address the issue of competencies required of professional librarians for the effective management of the automation process. Highlights include formal and professional ongoing education and the need for technical training and problem solving skills to enable librarians to evaluate and develop library systems effectively.…

The impact of an automated circulation system and online catalog on interlibrary loans at a county college is evaluated in terms of activity by patron type, periodicals usage, costs, borrowing activity, and interlibrary loan activity. (CLB)

Discusses the management predicaments encountered in decision making for a very small school library and the reasons that procedures recommended in the literature may not be applicable. The process used in planning and implementing an online circulation system in a high school library is described. (Author/CLB)

Data from a computerized circulation system were used to analyze usage patterns of a middle school library (grades 6-8) and to suggest ways the available data may be interpreted and used to decide upon future collection management and acquisition policies. Tables show composition and use of the various ranges in the collection. (14 references)…

Traces the history of the National Library of Medicine with emphasis on research and development activities in biomedical communications and information science. Highlights include the areas of bibliographic control, library automation, information retrieval, knowledge management systems, and educational technologies. (CLB)

This brief description of the research program being carried out through the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of California, Los Angeles, focuses on issues, problems, and needs for research for long-range strategic planning for library and information resources in the research universities of the future. (MBR)

Eight articles in special supplement to "Library Journal" and "School Library Journal" cover a computer program called "Byte into Books"; microcomputers and the small library; creating databases with students; online searching with a microcomputer; quality automation software; Meckler Publishing Company's…

Suggesting that the library catalog of the future should be an analytic catalog, this article reports that sample of books in a community college library showed that approximately 20% were collections or anthologies containing an average of 30 works each. Advantages and costs of analytical catalogs are considered. (6 references) (EJS)

Discusses evolution of ergonomics and development of computer ergonomics with its sub-fields of hardware ergonomics (user-equipment-related problems including workstation design); software ergonomics (problems in communication with computers); and peopleware ergonomics (psychological impact). Ergonomic features of VDTs, keyboards, and printers are…

This library technology plan from Mission College in California establishes the goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans of the library in developing and maintaining its technical capabilities and electronic resources. The goals are organized into four categories: information resources, instructional resources, infrastructure, and…

This book presents examples of how libraries are using XML (eXtensible Markup Language) to solve problems, expand services, and improve systems. Part I contains papers on using XML in library catalog records: "Updating MARC Records with XMLMARC" (Kevin S. Clarke, Stanford University) and "Searching and Retrieving XML Records via the…