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…

Briefly describes BALLOTS (Bibliographic Automation of Large Library Operations using a Time-sharing System). (PF)

Presents an overview of the developments and dilemmas related to the cataloging and classification of maps, addressing the areas of online library systems, cooperative cataloging, descriptive cataloging, subject access, and the improvement of network capabilities. Seventeen references are cited. (FM)

This simplified description of the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) includes an interview with OCLC director Fred Kilgour. (PF)

An evaluation of the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) based on visits to the 47 OCLC charter members in Ohio. (PF)

An investigation of the feasibility of using a computer-assisted decentralized bibliographic control system to build a comprehensive, consistent national database for use in a national library network used the Northwestern On-line Total Integrated System to establish a center for African materials at Northwestern University. Eleven references are…

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)

The five critical years in the development of OCLC (1951-56), the culmination of a century of cooperation between Ohio's colleges and universities, are used to underscore its expansion into a bibliographic utility interconnecting 2400 institutions in the United States and Canada. There are 19 references. (RAA)

Presents the results of a survey conducted to determine how the introduction of computerized cataloging using OCLC has affected the organization of cataloging departments and the cataloging policies and practices of 147 member academic libraries. (FM)

Focuses on the standards required for cooperative activities related to bibliographic control, and presents a scenario for a nationwide network that would add requirements for computer communications standards. (Author/FM)

This glossary was developed to fill the need for a commonality of vocabulary for the persons from diverse fields--computer experts, librarians, telecommunications engineers--who are working together in the relatively new field of library networking. The criteria for the inclusion of a term require that it be in current use relative to library…

Describes Linked Systems Project (LSP), which is designed to connect three large bibliographic networks in an "open" manner without changing the systems. "Open systems," standards, advantages of linking systems, interchange of authority data, Library of Congress Name Authority Cooperative Project, record transfer and…

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)

Printings and editions of a given monographic title are noted as major causes of duplicate bibliographic records in bibliographic networks. Considerations which cataloger must note--history of printing technology, cataloging rules, Library of Congress policy, local practices, and standards of bibliographic utilities--are discussed. Thirty-three…