For years, patrons have been able to access library services from home and in the library building, but in the world of Google, Yahoo, YouTube, MySpace, and Facebook, library web sites and catalogs are too often not the first place people go to look for information. The innovative use of toolbars could change this. Toolbars have been popular for…

Media specialists today are required to use more and more technology. Their responsibilities encompass everything from repairing overhead projectors to administrating an entire library's automated system. These responsibilities are in addition to working with students on research and information literacy, making book selections, and collaborating…

The library and the computer are only tools to be used to render service. (PF)

Speculations about ways in which media centers will utilize computers in the future include applications for circulation, cataloging, reference, information retrieval, and computer controlled videodisc machines. (STS)

Four papers discuss: (1) advantages and disadvantages of uniform serial titles; (2) corporate names as qualifiers in uniform titles; (3) earliest entry cataloging of serials; and (4) latest entry cataloging in an automated environment. (MES)

Discusses the design principles behind the Unicorn Collection Management System, an integrated library system which includes modules for bibliographic and inventory control, circulation, academic reserves, serials control, authority control, acquisition, electronic mail, bulletin board, and enhanced public access. The flexibility of the system is…

Efforts of the Technical Standards for Library Automation Committee (TESLA), a division-wide committee of the Library Information and Technology Association (LITA) of the American Library Association, are described. The current status of suggested technical standards and recommended action are detailed. Five sources are given. (Author/EJS)

Describes the on-line automation of reserve loans at Elizabeth Dafoe Library of the University of Manitoba. (PF)

When documentary material is indexed by a mechanized classification system, and the results judged by trained professionals, the number of documents in disagreement, after suitable adjustment, defines the error rate of the system. In a test case disagreement was 22 percent and, of this 22 percent, the computer correctly identified two-thirds of…

A method of developing computer catalogs is proposed which does not require unit card conversion but rather the accumulation of data from operating programs. It is proposed that the bibliographic and finding functions of the catalog be separated, with the latter being the first automated. (8 references) (Author)

Some details are given explaining start up and conversion costs when library mechanization is undertaken. Cost trends for labor and computer equipment are briefly described which underscore the economics to be expected with the application of data processing in the library. (Author/NH)

The criticisms levelled at MARC are examined and attempts are made to evaluate these criticisms in the light of some possible ways of using MARC at the local level. (11 references) (Author)

Presents program guidelines for training library staff in the operation and use of automated library circulation systems. Advice is given on the qualificatons of the training coordinator, levels of training, training and training aids, vendor responsibilities and time frame. (RAA)

Reviews trends in library automation based on vendors at the 1998 American Library Association Annual Conference. Discusses the major industry trend, a move from host-based computer systems to the new generation of client/server, object-oriented, open systems-based automation. Includes a summary of developments for 26 vendors. (LRW)