Addresses the dilemma faced by libraries as the success of public online access catalogs results in an increasing budget obligation over which the library has no control if it is to continue to provide the service. Issues discussed include budget transfers, budget increases, subsidies, and user fees. (EJS)

Responses to librarians' questions about library microcomputers cover simple applications to be used by staff with little experience, minimizing risk factor, choosing a microcomputer, hardware obsolescence, uses of mainframes and minicomputers, capacity planning for microcomputers, security of library's data, copyrighted software, and future use…

Discussion of using vendors for retrospective conversion of library catalogs rather than in-house projects highlights reasons to consider vendors, four conversion methodologies, and vendor selection criteria (database, non-matches, local data, accuracy, charging, schedule, product delivery time, local system compatibility, MARC format, impact on…

This article examines fiber optic technology, explains some of the key terminology, and speculates about the way fiber optics will change our world. Applications of fiber optics to library systems in three major areas--linkage of a number of mainframe computers, local area networks, and main trunk communications--are highlighted. (EJS)

Six retrieval systems have been identified which attempt to analyze materials with respect to their instructional uses. However, a comprehensive cataloging system for adaptive education will not be developed until the expertise of library catalogers is applied to the task. (Author)

Problems, issues, and alternatives in designing individual, stand alone systems for servicing selected library operations, with emphasis on problems of integrating these with major automated systems, a new mode of operation called coupling, and strategies for dealing with large amounts of retrospective data. (Author/LS)

For a library to function effectively, it is essential that it fosters an open management style, which encourages communication of ideas and objectives both within the library itself and, by example, in other elements in the overall administration of which the library is a part. This paper describes the improvement in morale, efficiency, and…

The Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) is a regional library network. It provides catalog cards tailored to the requirements of its fifty-three member libraries via an on-line shared cataloging system. (2 references) (Author/RS)

Thanks to a new, automated circulation system and a machine-readable campus ID card which doubles as a library card, the University of Connecticut library has made it easier and faster for its patrons to find and borrow books and it has gained tighter administrative control over circulation as well. (Author)

Mechanization has been introduced in the preparation of UDC and alphabetical indexes using a KWIC Program to access directly documentation files. A special feature of the system is that the KWIC serial number equals the program sorting number equals the encoded UDC form equals the storage or shelving number. (9 references) (Author/NH)

The accomplishments of the last twenty years in documentation, automation, information retrieval, and the incipient information science have been impressive, but much more remains to be learned. (25 references) (Author)

The Library Technology Program is an attempt to meet one of the great challenges to improved library service -- the application of new technology to library operations. (20 references) (SJ)

Reference librarians must, if they hope to survive, retool in preparation for becoming the interface between the patron and computer-based information systems. This involves sharpening the interview technique and understanding where to plug into the information flow process. (4 references) (Author)

Keyword searches in title statement and subject headings retrieved more relevant references than search by LC or Dewey class numbers or by scanning the Dewey class numbers for area codes. An analysis of false drops was made to determine how the search strategy could be improved. (Author/NH)