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…

Describes the development of the San Jose Public Library's newly operational SCICON circulation control system, one of the largest and fastest online systems in America. (RAA)

Describes the generation and utilization of financial reports by the online book order system developed at the University of Massachusetts. A series of reports record monthly book transactions, use of funds by subject and type of publication, and the performance of vendors. (Author/RAA)

Addresses problems encountered by a library when considering, selecting, and contracting for an automated library system. Topics covered include information needed by the vendor (size of database, volume of transactions, and acceptable response times), reasons why libraries and vendors have failed, and possible solutions. Six sources are given.…

Discussion of care and planning given to the implementation of an automated library system highlights informing the staff in the early stages, project management, involvement of the entire staff, the control log, time and money, where and when to go online, and implementation consultants. (EJS)

Discusses how strategic planning can help academic libraries integrate online systems for management of multiple fund accounts. Topics addressed include fiscal management goals and objectives; coordinating systems; the budget calendar; periodicals processing; and supplementary funds such as student fees, awards, legislative appropriations, and…

Three articles address the relationship between a library and the vendor of its automated system from several points of view: library-initiated vendor abandonment, vendor-initiated abandonment, nonperforming vendor and nonfunctioning system, and changing systems. Acceptance testing and financial, personnel, and legal aspects of vendor abandonment…

This discussion of methods for selecting an integrated, public-access library system highlights the traditional idealized selection model; participation by the library director, consultant, task force, committees, and vendors; fads and cost figures; selection of the wrong system; and suggestions for an informal approach to purchasing. Five sources…

Discussion of issues arising from relations between libraries and vendors of computer systems highlights factors influencing how vendors respond to system problems, how libraries could help themselves, purchasing non-existent systems, integrated system dream, and advice on ameliorating problems once an off-the-shelf software system has been…

This 48-item annotated bibliography includes recent, substantive materials on automated circulation systems of all types (batch, online, in-house, commercially packaged) with emphasis on online turnkey systems. Items are categorized into five general sections: general overviews, vendor-specific information, case studies, patron acceptance and…

Examines trends in costs of conventional library operation and costs of electronic devices which may pervade libraries of future. Library costs in 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, library automation, total library operating expenditures for university and college libraries, and rate of adoption of electronic techniques are covered. Sixty-three references…

Suggests practical steps the uninitiated librarian can take to become familiar with automation opportunities and discusses issues that should be considered in choosing an automation system for the small library. Getting acquainted with computer world, evaluating library environment, and considering options are covered. Eight references are cited.…

Describes the DOBIS/LIBIS system and its capabilities for automated management of individual libraries and library networks. DOBIS/LIBIS is an integrated, interactive system that includes the major library functions of searching, cataloging, circulation, and acquisitions processing for a network of libraries. (Author/RAA)

An overview of existing technology, this paper identifies and describes word processing equipment currently available for automating library technical processes. It traces the development of word processors, describes components, examines present and future applications, and provides advice on system selection. An extensive bibliography is…

Reviews publications for 1981 pertaining to cataloging and bibliographic control of serials, standardization and automation developments in the bibliographic control of serials, serial union list development, serials delivery systems (including electronic publishing), and library serials departments. A 52-item bibliography is included. (JL)