This paper begins with a discussion of information management as it pertains to the four operations of automated library systems (i.e., acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference). Library staff reactions to library automation change are summarized, including uncertainty, cynicism, and resignation or hope. Common pitfalls that interfere…

Presents results of interviews with automation administrators of 39 public and academic libraries that recently migrated to new automated systems. Topics discussed include motivation for migration, planning for implementation, technical decisions and considerations, training, publicity, and relations with vendors. A list of participating libraries…

Describes a cooperative project among three German libraries that used the Balanced Scorecard as a concept for an integrated quality management system. Considers performance indicators across four perspectives that will help academic libraries establish an integrated controlling system and to collect and evaluate performance as well as cost data…

Reports the results of a survey of the "Bowdoin List" group of liberal arts colleges. The survey obtained information about (1) automation modules in place and when they had been installed; (2) financing of automation and its impacts on the library budgets; and (3) library director's views on library automation and the nature of the…

The roles and responsibilities of the library systems officer continues to change as libraries move beyond the automation of library functions to offering resources in electronic formats and electronic access to information about collections beyond the walls of the home institution. This survey was designed to collect data and document some of the…

Describes a bottom-up approach to a library MIS (management information system) that uses data generated by reports available from most automated library systems and shows how these data can be turned into information for decision making. Data, relevant performance indicators, and decision types are discussed for five areas. (four references) (LAE)

Reports on a survey of university libraries that gathered data on the effects of replacing an existing automated system with a new one, i.e., NOTIS. General library automation and management statistics are reported, changes in staffing patterns and personnel are described, changes in organizational structure are discussed, and training needs are…

After noting that library processes are continually becoming more automated and that services are being introduced at an ever-increasing rate, this paper goes on to describe the composition and functions of Brigham Young University's Integrated Library System (ILS) Committee, which was established by the library administration to advise it on…

Twenty-one sites that have integrated informal departmental collections with library systems were surveyed. Respondents offered recommendations on assessing feasibility, identifying collections, establishing work roles, and choosing centralized versus decentralized approaches for sharing information about departmental collections. Political and…

The Memex Research Institute (MRI), an independent nonprofit research and development organization, has created an electronic library program of shared research and development to make the collective vision of Vannevar Bush's "memex" more concrete. Program is working toward the creation of large, publicly available indexed electronic image…

This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit presents the results of a survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries designed to investigate the changes in research library systems operations since 1994 and to identify future trends. A total of 70 of 124 ARL member libraries responded to the survey. A copy of the…

Discusses influences that electronic technologies are having on academic libraries. Highlights include the combination of computer technology and telecommunications; the impact of integrated systems; adding value to information through the use of workstations and online databases; teaching and learning roles of librarians; library user fees; and…

This theme issue focuses on "creating the library's future" through creative library management. Seven articles provide a variety of perspectives on particular library management styles and approaches to library issues. The planning process, creativity in the work place, and innovations in libraries are discussed. (MAB)

Describes how BookshelF software, a library management system, has been integrated into the library and information management curriculum at Manchester Polytechnic (England), and discusses the learning objectives that have been achieved. The use of BookshelF modules for ordering, circulation control, cataloging, OPAC (online public access…

This collection of 12 papers commemorates the retirement of Bernhard Adams. Adams had a 30-year career at the Bochum University Library (Germany) and advocated innovation and automation in libraries. The papers are: (1) "Gemeinsame Wegstrecken: Bernhard Adams zur Ehre" ("Common Milestones: In Honor of Bernhard Adams") (Harro…