Variety-generator approach seeks to reflect the microstructure of data elements in their description for storage and search, and takes advantage of the consistency of statistical characteristics of data elements in homogeneous data bases. (Author)

Software, hardware, procedural, and operational components of the California State University and Colleges systemwide approach to library automation are reviewed with specific emphasis on the time periods involved, the phasing of implementation, and finally, the costs and benefits anticipated from this project. (Author)

These remarks are based on the Association's cooperative library study finding that two-thirds of the southeastern libraries are already participating in cooperative programs. Libraries must now exploit these avenues of cooperation, especially with the Library of Congress. Cooperative projects in automation such as CONSER, COMARC, and RLG are…

Discusses several areas to be considered in planning for library automation: (1) cataloging standards; (2) MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) format; (3) database design; (4) retrospective conversion; (5) REMARC, a retrospective conversion service; (6) MiniMARC, a stand-alone cataloging support system; (7) copy-specific file conversion; and (8)…

A telephone reference service operated by the Library of Congress provides immediate service to congressmen with the help of automated information files. (PF)

Rising costs and the arrival of the computer require an almost total reworking of past practice in the area of serial control. (Author)

Following an introduction to authority control and MARC (machine readable cataloging), 10 steps are presented for making the transition from a manual to an automated authority file, keeping up with ongoing work, staying current in the discipline, and retrospective work. (23 references) (MES)

The third of three articles on the NOTIS interface to locally mounted database tapes looks at the experience of the Vanderbilt University library. Topics include the system control file, master functions, database functions, terminal functions that regulate access, database maintenance, impact on the local computer system, and report features.…

This first volume of a proposed twelve volume series of surveys on library automation is based on - besides information gathered by the survey - the results of a literature search to locate any recently published information concerning the reported activities. These are cited below their respective entries to provide additional information about…

Discusses the long-term value of bibliographic records to the library and the cost and service implications of that value. Topics covered include records in the public domain; sources of machine-readable bibliographic records (bibliographic utilities, state and multistate networks, commercial vendors, federal agencies, libraries); rights and…

The Ad Hoc Discussion Group on Serials formed on June 26, 1973, is attempting to foster cooperation and coordination in the generation and maintenance of machine-readable union files of serials. (Author/RS)

Described is the file organization and design of an on-line catalog suitable for automation of one million books. A method of virtual hash addressing allows rapid search of the indexes to the catalog file. Storage of textual material in a compressed form allows considerable reduction in storage costs. (14 references) (Author/SJ)

Explains the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) protocol as a set of rules for passing information from a Web server to an external program such as a database search engine. Topics include advantages over traditional client/server solutions, limitations, sample library applications, and sources of information from the Internet. (LRW)

Reference librarians at Georgia Institute of Technology provide computerized reference service through the Georgia Information Dissemination Center. (PF)

Based on a directive from the National Advisory Board of Canada, this paper provides a set of definitions and guidelines which Canadian libraries may choose to use in negotiating their contracts with database suppliers, vendors, and other information and bibliographic services. The report is intended to: (1) provide a basis for understanding and…