Demonstrates how three commercial microcomputer software packages--PC-Talk III, Wordstar, and dBase III--were combined to produce an integrated library system at the U.S. Army Concepts Analysis Agency library. The retrospective conversion process is discussed, and the four modules of the system are described: acquisitions/cataloging; online…

Describes the computer field before the advent of CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers), an operating system which facilitated compatibility between different computers. CP/M's functions and flaws and the advent of Apple DOS and UCSD Pascal, two additional widely used operating systems, and the significance of their development are also…

Describes the following aspects of the State University of New York-Brockport's preventive maintenance computerization project: (1) software selection, (2) project implementation; and (3) problems and benefits of the system. (MCG)

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…

Description of the history of a statewide interlibrary loan and electronic mail telecommunications network highlights difficulties and reinforces the idea that off-the-shelf systems are preferable to in-house system development. Recommendations include: solicit expert technical advice (including review by an independent programmer); choose…

Describes development and implementation of microcomputer system for request handling, recordkeeping, and invoicing at the Centre for Scientific and Technical Information (CSTI) Document Delivery Service of the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Unforeseen advantages of the system are reviewed, including electronic…

Designed primarily to enable blind students to more easily use the Open University's Student Computer Services, a project was implemented to generate computer programs (in BASIC) for a limited configuration microcomputer with synthetic speech as the only output program. Three techniques can be identified with synthetic speech generation:…

This paper describes one academic's experiences in utilizing a database management system, dBase II, with an Apple IIe microcomputer for record keeping and reporting. Initial problems created by processing data by hand or by a central computer system are described, and the selection process for a microcomputer purchase and software package (dBase…

This checklist provides guidance on how to measure adequacy of control and security of computer systems, identifies areas of risk, raises management and user awareness of their stewardship responsibilities, and reviews issues relative to system documentation, maintenance, integrity, and reliability. (MBR)

Identifies two types of applications software for microcomputers: (1) communications, file transfer, and search assistance software, which facilitates intelligent access to external databases; and (2) software to support local database creation and searching. Functions of each type of software are described and examples of commercial packages are…

The Physical Plant Department at Portland State University (OR) performs accounting, inventory control, and purchasing tasks with a local online system. Using in-house software, this system has replaced and improved upon services formerly provided by the State System of Higher Education. (MCG)

Unusually hard hit by the 1970s recession, the University of Michigan accumulated more deferred maintenance problems than could be analyzed efficiently either by hand or with existing computer systems. Using an existing microcomputer and a database management software package, the maintenance service developed its own database to support…

Describes the IV + V System, a software package designed by the Institut fur Maschinelle Dokumentation for the United Nations General Information Programme and UNISIST to support automation of local information and documentation services. Principle program features and functions outlined include input/output, databank, text image, output, and…

This introduction to microcomputers and their implementation and use in federal agencies discusses both basic concepts in microcomputers and their specific uses by clerical, administrative, professional, and technical federal personnel. Issues concerned with the use of specialized application software and integrated packages--word processing, data…

Designed to help explain library automation to the librarian or student, this handbook presents a case to be solved, i.e., the creation of a book acquisition system for a special library; the steps to be taken to solve the problem; and a users' manual for the system to be provided to the client. The handbook is divided into three major sections:…