Do students prefer to use Google instead of the library catalog? Ever wondered why? Google is easier to use and delivers plenty of "good enough" resources to meet their needs. The current generation of online catalogs has two main problems. First, the look and feel of the interface doesn't reflect the conventions adhered to elsewhere on the web,…

One of the toughest challenges in an academic library systems office is how to manage and present the extensive selection of electronic resources from a variety of vendors. At York College of Pennsylvania, the authors participated in an admissions-driven web revision cycle and used a campus-provided CMS for 8 years. During this time, they tried…

The Sydney Micro Library System is a microcomputer-based integrated library system with cataloging, inquiry, and system management modules that form the base system for running the optional acquisitions, circulation, serials, and MARC record modules. Designed for small special libraries, the system has parallel minicomputer and microcomputer…

This description of the design of an online library acquisition system highlights the use of database management systems in developing information retrieval systems, and software requirements for the hierarchical menu-driven operation. A conceptual view of the database is included. (LRW)

Describes computerization of routine library procedures on Apple microcomputers at a small regional campus of Ohio University. Highlights include use of a database management program--PFS:FILE--for acquisition lists, equipment/supplies inventory, microfilm and periodicals management, and statistical manipulations, and a spreadsheet…

Guidelines for library automation include information on currently available microcomputer-based software products appropriate for small libraries and integrated systems for the larger libraries that can afford them. Costs, capabilities, functions, and vendor service are discussed, and a directory of vendors is included. (CDD)

Describes presentations made at a forum on automation, interlibrary loan (ILL), and document delivery sponsored by the Houston Area Library Consortium. Highlights include access versus ownership; software for ILL; fee-based services; automated management systems for ILL; and electronic mail and online systems for end-user-generated ILL requests.…

Originally written for use by Queens College Library (New York) Technical Services staff members, this manual is designed to increase efficiency and accuracy through the programming of function keys to execute commonly used NOTIS acquisitions and cataloging functions. The manual provides suggestions for expediting NOTIS operations based on IBM…

Five years ago, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) funded an Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) study of the impact of new information and communications technologies on the roles of health sciences libraries in a radically changing health care and educational environment. A key recommendation of the resulting report called for…

Discusses reference management software that is used for the storage and retrieval of bibliographic and text files on personal computers. Uses in health sciences are reviewed, selection criteria are discussed, needs assessment is described, guidelines for selecting appropriate software are presented, and a list of software products is included.…

Describes an integrated online library system developed at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) which incorporates a number of database management features that enhance efficiency, for record retrieval and display. Design features related to record storage and retrieval and the design of linked files are described in detail.…

Special librarians are in unique position to become directly involved in the design, development, and management of automated in-house databases. Software packages called application generators enable the librarian/information scientist to develop database applications without programmer intervention and with very little or no knowledge of…

This book includes basic information to locate and compare available options for library automation based on various criteria such as hardware requirements, operating systems, components and applications, and price, and provides the necessary contact information to allow further investigation. The major part of the directory lists 211 software…