Discussion of the role and status of academic libraries in China focuses on automation efforts. Microcomputer-based applications are described; problems are discussed; and technological advances are considered. It is concluded that CD-ROMs in conjunction with microcomputers should be used in the majority of Chinese academic libraries. (10…

Outlines evaluative criteria and compares optical data disk products used in library technical processes, including bibliographic records for cataloging, acquisition databases, and local public access catalogs. An extensive table provides information on specific products, including updates, interfaces, edit screens, installation help, manuals,…

Discussion of the application of CD-ROM technology for online public access catalogs (OPACs) covers: (1) the production process; (2) costs; (3) advantages and disadvantages of using CD-ROM; (4) current CD-ROM applications; and (5) future developments. (5 references) (MES)

Identifies various facets of the use of consultants in library automation, including kinds of consultants, their roles, contexts in which they may be used, functional areas in which their values may differ, and equipment alternatives. A bibliography is provided. (FM)

Discusses six aspects of compact disc (CD-ROM) publishing: (1) development costs; (2) design considerations; (3) marketing; (4) software design; (5) hardware; and (6) the library market. (MES)

Discusses issues relating to recent introductions of CD-ROM technologies in libraries and considerations that have motivated libraries to choose networking CD-ROMs over the standalone approach. Factors discussed include cost effectiveness, the flexibility of the networking approach, and performance considerations. A glossary of terms is provided.…

Reviews trends in library software development including: (1) microcomputer applications; (2) CD-ROM; (3) desktop publishing; (4) public access microcomputers; (5) artificial intelligence; (6) mainframes and minicomputers; and (7) automated catalogs. (MES)

Discussion of potential library applications for microcomputers focuses on effective software and professional system design practices and describes OCLC projects involving microcomputers to illustrate their use as a stand-alone unit, back-up system, interface device, and an enhancement mechanism. Additional sources of information on microcomputer…

Summarizes some of the applications of automation in the Miami-Dade (Florida) Public Library System. A detailed discussion of the system CD-ROM LAN (Local Area Network) covers hardware and software, cost factors, advantages of networking CD-ROMs, problems, and evaluation. It is concluded that the advantages of a CD-ROM LAN outweigh the…

Reviews the use of CD-ROM technology in libraries. Topics addressed include personal computers and CD-ROM; possible futures of CD-ROM technology; the organization of CD-ROMs; workstations; help for users; remote access; delivery systems; and providing reference services to CD-ROM users. (Contains nine references.) (LRW)

Describes a study at City College Library which examined the proportion of name headings that could be validated against the Library of Congress Name Authority File in automated authority control. The implications for the use of automated authority control as a means of integrating current and retrospective headings are discussed. (Author/CLB)

This special issue on CD-ROM comprises six articles covering the following topics: (1) an overview of the library market; (2) the producer's perspective; (3) implementation issues; (4) problems; (5) future needs and trends; and (6) a 23-item bibliography which includes an annotated section designed as a self-instructional module. (MES)

Discusses various aspects of the application of optical data disk (CD-ROM) technology in libraries. Topics discussed include the need to acquire information directly from optical data disk experts; characteristics of reference works that make them amenable to conversion; barriers to the application of this technology; innovations currently being…

Describes the advances in telecommunications and compact storage technologies that make it possible for electronic bookmobiles to provide a full range of information services. The feasibility of the widespread use of such bookmobiles is considered in view of the high cost of the technologies involved. (19 references) (CLB)

Discusses the vendor's role in the library collection evaluation process. Vendor services are described, including catalogs, bibliographies, periodicals, and announcement services; the process required to produce a vendor publication is explained; and new online and CD-ROM collection assessment tools are described. (LRW)