Describes the components of computer systems and library systems, and discusses several topics related to computer systems in the library environment: the systems approach and libraries; systems engineering and systems environment; natural and artificial systems; the importance of the systems approach; and the understanding of computer systems and…

Provides background on the California State Library, a description of the Library and Courts Building, and a summary of automation objectives. Concerns in renovation to accommodate a modern library are then discussed: (1) environment; (2) electrical and telephone circuitry; (3) data and voice communications; (4) physical factors; and (5)…

This review of the 1986 literature on cataloging covers seven topics: (1) international aspects of description; (2) Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2d Edition; (3) principles of description; (4) cooperative cataloging; (5) authority control; (6) issues in the management of cataloging; and (7) catalogers. Seventy-seven references are listed. (MES)

This discussion of the effects of library automation and networking on original catalog librarians describes personal experiences with the transition from a manual to an automated cataloging system at the Michigan State University Libraries, and presents recommendations for the future. (MES)

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.…

Journal Log In is a computer on-line system for checking in periodicals. Used in conjunction with an IBM system called IQRP (Interactive Query Report Processing), it permits a serials librarian to use shortened commands coupled with a CODEN for ease in logging in periodicals. (Author)

Focuses on quantitative studies which can be made using data obtained from machine-readable catalogs and applied to actual or potential catalog use. (Author)

A history of the activities of the Council on Library Resources is described. (AP)

Rationale, procedures, format, interfaces, uses, products, and future development of the Canadiana/Cataloguing Subsystem developed at Canada's national library. (LS)

Library text production and information retrieval applications require a programing language with string processing facilities. The most useful languages are SNOBOL, COMIT APL and PL/1. (Author/LS)

Simon Fraser University library began operation with an automated circulation system. A radically revised loan policy caused the system design and assumptions to be questioned. A cheaper, simpler, and more effective off-line system eventually replaced the on-line system. The systems, fiscal, and administrative implications of this decision are…

The inventory of a special library collection imposes an appreciable work load on the library staff. It should be done only after careful planning and after the users have been advised of the necessity of the activity and the procedures to be followed. The inventory procedure in a mechanized library is described. (Author/NH)

The lack of information on problems, mistakes and failures of electronic data processing in libraries is described. A brief annotated bibliography on the subject is presented. (SJ)

If general librarians conclude that computer-oriented research has no practical application for them, and that they have nothing to contribute to the dialog with the information specialists, they may find that they have lost control of this area of the profession to outsiders." (11 references) (Author)