It is argued that the acceptance of library automation reflects a total lack of the critical evaluation that its expense would seem to require. (4 references) (Author/SJ)

Ellsworth Mason's two recently published papers, severely criticizing library automation, are refuted. While admitting to the failures and problems, this paper also presents the positive accomplishments in a brief evaluation of the status of library automation in 1971. (16 references) (Author/SJ)

The decision table is a valuable aid in describing, understanding, and improving both manual and automated library procedures. This article explains how these tables are made and used. Several examples and a bibliography are given. (Author)

Author entry as main entry is derived from traditions that are no longer valid when the identical entry can appear under different headings or is used in computerized systems. Title entry as unit entry eliminates the unnecessary choice of a main entry and prevents problems of identification in computerized systems. (6 references) (Author/SJ)

Significant nonduplicative literature on MARC and BNB-MARC is surveyed and characterized. Time lag in publication and the proliferation of ephemera are noted. Two categories of the literature are identified: reports in many formats by individuals and groups associated officially with MARC, and publications of MARC users or observers. (61…

The major provisions of the International Serials Data System and International Standard Bibliographic Description for Serials are presented and related to present rules of entry for serials as detailed in the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules. (Author)

This review of the 1986 literature on cataloging covers seven topics: (1) international aspects of description; (2) Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2d Edition; (3) principles of description; (4) cooperative cataloging; (5) authority control; (6) issues in the management of cataloging; and (7) catalogers. Seventy-seven references are listed. (MES)

The organizational and procedural changes necessary to adapt the OCLC system in a large academic library over a five year period are described. Organization and work flow diagrams are presented in demonstrating new approaches to accessing authority files and the shelf-list. (Author)

Twenty-nine questions to be asked before deciding on a book catalog are presented with comments based on the experience of the Baltimore County Public Library. The assumption made throughout this paper is that the work will be done by computer. (Author/NH)

If any one word can be singled out as characterizing the impetus behind much of the work in serials on both the national and international levels for 1975, it is standardization. (Author)

The impact of a bibliographic retrieval/card production system, such as the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), on the cataloging procedures of the large academic library is examined. (11 references) (Author/RS)

Production was increased by analyzing the duties of the staff and assigning duties to the proper level of personnel. Further improvement was made through the use of process forms and machines. (Author/NH)

This paper reports a study of computer filing which utilizes the arranging possibilities of the computer and of careful format design to considerable advantage. (Author/NH)

Reviews nine significant publications in serials librarianship published from 1981 through 1985. Topics covered include publishing and electronic publishing, cataloging, acquisitions, and serials automation. (Author/EM)