At the end of 2007, SirsiDynix introduced the first version of Symphony, its new flagship Integrated Library System (ILS). This article begins with a look at the evolution of Symphony, user reactions to Symphony, and Symphony's design and functionality. The authors, along with a team of librarians from various functional areas, have completed…

It seems, at times, that a frantic race persists to ensure that a child, in the crucial learning stages of early elementary education, acquires the appropriate reading level before he or she "gets behind." Though there are obvious issues with branding a book "Grade Level One" or "Reading Level 2.2," it is nevertheless…

Presents a practical guide for the implementation of a turnkey circulation system for those contemplating purchase of an online system. Included is advice on staff planning and bibliographic and patron file conversion. Weaknesses and strengths of the automated system are summarized. (Author/RAA)

A small academic library that took advantage of the OCLC online cataloging service by becoming a secondary user recounts the process of initiating use, and outlines its weekly working procedure, including costs. (MBR)

The purpose of this manual is to specify the additional steps required in the data collection process to prepare bibliographic data for conversion into machine-readable form. It is designed to aid catalogers in preparing catalog entries in machine readable form for the on-line cataloging system of the Ohio College Library Center. The rules for…

A model to calculate the costs of automated cataloging systems based on cataloging copy in a system's data base is developed. The costs derived by the model for two systems, OCLC and BALLOTS, are compared to the costs of an existing manual system. (Author/KP)

Four categories of automated network catalog products and services are examined. The advantages and disadvantages of (1) the on-line cathode-ray-tube (CRT) display, (2) the line-printer produced card, (3) the photo-composed book catalog or catalog card, and (4) computer-based microforms are all reviewed. (Author)

This issue on current options in the area of machine-readable cataloging and retrospective conversion highlights generation and use of machine-readable bibliographic records, editing, standards, online and batch access, keying and coding, full-service cataloging and conversion, interlibrary loan, and authority control. Profiles of 22…

Examines the potential benefits and problems for libraries using a fully automated short record circulation system, one that consists of a number designating the item, enough bibliographic information to identify it, information on its location, and information on the borrower. (FM)

This paper describes methods used for maintenance of bibliographic records in online catalogs and compares them with maintenance in the conventional card catalog: addition of bibliographic records, identification and correction of errors, application of authority control, addition of information to records, and withdrawal of records from catalog.…

Discussion of using vendors for retrospective conversion of library catalogs rather than in-house projects highlights reasons to consider vendors, four conversion methodologies, and vendor selection criteria (database, non-matches, local data, accuracy, charging, schedule, product delivery time, local system compatibility, MARC format, impact on…

The Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) is a regional library network. It provides catalog cards tailored to the requirements of its fifty-three member libraries via an on-line shared cataloging system. (2 references) (Author/RS)

Reviews bibliographic control before and after the advent of machine-readable cataloging, and holds that new developments toward decentralization seem to counter the existing technological trend toward centralization of automated library services. (FM)

The trend toward use of online bibliographic systems in libraries sets the stage for the discussion of standardized entry format and authority control in information input if maximum usefulness now and in the future is to be achieved. (MBR)

The revised system specifications described in this document were adopted by the 19 California State University and College (CSUC) libraries for a second test version of the CLSI "Expanded Title Record" public access online catalog at California State University at Chico. Should this pilot demonstration of the data format prove…