Documents the history of library automation from a business perspective, examining several topics relating to characteristics of vendors, the library automation marketplace, and the measurement of vendor performance and success. Tables list library automation system vendors and outline quantitative measures of vendor performance. (138 references)…

Reports on findings of research done by Nolan Information Management Services concerning availability of microcomputer software for libraries. Highlights include software categories (specific, generic-database management programs, original); number of programs available in 1982 for 12 applications; projections for 1983; and future software…

Discussion of information and misinformation about integrated online library systems highlights capabilities and functions that should be offered by an integrated system, practicalities of purchasing a system, visions versus reality, library versus information automation, origins of integrated online systems in the 1960s and 1970s, and future…

Each of the components of subject authority control in the Canadian context are discussed. The present stage of development of the National Library's plans for integrating the components into one automated subject authority system is also explored. (Author)

PEARL (Periodicals Automation, Rand Library) was established as an automated periodicals control system. Its objective is to facilitate the precessing, routing and control of the library's periodical subscriptions and holdings. The system became operational in November 1969. The manual Kardex System was completely eliminated in December 1970. (17…

There are two principal aspects of automation: the theoretical, or systems area, and the practical or production side. This paper outlines the lessons learned and the problems encountered in planning and implementing an automation program. (Author/NH)

Twenty-nine questions to be asked before deciding on a book catalog are presented with comments based on the experience of the Baltimore County Public Library. The assumption made throughout this paper is that the work will be done by computer. (Author/NH)

The mechanized circulation routines of an aircraft company have reduced operating costs. (AB)

The article argues two main points: (1) make decisions about library automation in the context of competent organization, management, and planning; and (2) lay a sound foundation for automation by completing a step-by-step sequence of tasks. (Author/NH)

The ratio of titles selected to titles read from the cumulative file is the most significant determinant of cost and an effective formula for limiting the growth of the file must be developed for an economical system. (AB)

An on-line cataloging pilot project for two elementary schools is discussed. (Author)

An operational computerized system used by the University of California, Santa Barbara Libraries produces listings of bibliographic data about items in collections where full cataloging treatment is not considered justified. (Author)

Describes the usage and advantages of microcomputers as an alternative to manual processing when the Great Neck Library minicomputer-based automated circulation system goes down for maintenance or repair. (RAA)