The author investigates issues faced by academic research libraries in providing virtual reference services to unaffiliated users. These libraries generally welcome visitors who use on-site collections and reference services, but are these altruistic policies feasible in a virtual environment? This paper reviews the use of virtual reference…

Purpose: The paper aims to present the concept of the functionality of metadata harvesting for regional digital libraries, based on the OAI-PMH protocol. This functionality is a part of regional digital libraries platform created in Poland. The platform was required to reach one of main objectives of the Polish PIONIER Programme--to enrich the…

A brief survey of cataloging systems in use at the Map Division is presented, emphasizing the current conversion to an automated cataloging system adapted from the Library of Congress Map MARC Program. (Author)

This digest highlights bibliographic file creation and maintenance practices that affect a library's ability to use various automated system capabilities for current and future applications. The first section covers database creation options, cataloging resource file forms, and record creation and editing. The importance of adherence to MARC…

Two of the papers on national bibliography compiled here are printed in the original language as well as English translation: (1) "Le Congres de Paris sur les bibliographies nationales et ses recommendations: dix ans apres, objectifs partiellement atteints" = "The Paris Congress on National Bibliographies and Its Recommendations:…

When the new Kyoto Sangyo University library found itself with a large backlog of uncataloged books it turned to the computer. The library now has computerized cataloging, acquisitions, periodicals processing, circulation, and information retrieval. (LS)

This fourth annual report of the Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET) documents its disaffiliation from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB); the increased strength and solidity of the whole organization as evidenced by the addition of 44 new member institutions and 48 new terminals in member libraries; the increased ability to meet the…

The simplified systems for cataloging and classifying exhibition catalogs used at the Marlborough Gallery Library and the Wildenstein Gallery Library in New York are discussed, with emphasis on the brief kind of bibliographic information and other points of access needed in a non-research oriented library. (Author)

A circulation system uses plastic embossed user cards, an addressograph electric imprinter, a copy of the catalog card as a book card, and a pocket imprinted by the user's card and holding the book card during circulation. (LS)

A telephone reference service operated by the Library of Congress provides immediate service to congressmen with the help of automated information files. (PF)

This study proposes answers to questions of how and why computers can be used to catalog rare books. Divided into two parts, the first examines the nature of rare book cataloging needs and considers problems associated with machine-readable rare book cataloging. The question of how rare book cataloging differs from standard cataloging is analyzed…

This paper is a practical guide that explains and illustrates contracts between libraries and vendors for computerized circulation systems. It describes the elements of a typical contract to include the equipment and services that should be specified in the contract and establishes scheduling and acceptance testing needs. Included in a contract…

In response to the increased need for libraries to automate their systems and to share their resources, this bibliography lists some 150 annotated citations, most of which are drawn from the ERIC system, concentrating on library networks. Entries are not categorized. (EMH)

Though many of the functions of libraries are analogous to functions performed in the business world, public libraries have been disadvantaged by their reluctance to adopt computer technology. Though costs have previously been prohibitive and lack of uniformity in library processes has made the use of the new technology awkward, recently-developed…

The system, designed as a result of this study provides for a separate collection of government publications, with a single country-based notation scheme which makes it possible to display the publications on the shelves in a manner conducive to browsing. The document code number not only establishes the shelf position of each publication but…