Summarizes results of a project which analyzed data for decisions concerning linking; i.e., whether and how to link utilities in order to pool bibliographic resources. Benefits and problems of links for cataloging, interlibrary loan, and online reference are discussed. A cost-revenue model which analyzes alternatives for linking is presented. (SW)

The development of special-purpose information products for clients of the LEADERMART information retrieval system is described. (9 references) (RS)

Assesses the status of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), focusing on its membership, financial problems, new headquarters, terminal equipment, Videotex possibilities, and relationship with regional library networks. (EJS)

A project was conducted from 1980 to 1982 to determine the costs and benefits of OCLC use in 29 small and medium-sized member libraries of the Illinois Valley Library System (IVLS). Academic, school, public, and special libraries participated by recording the time and staffing levels used for and the cost of OCLC and pre-OCLC cataloging (by…

This examination of the feasibility of implementing an automated circulation system within San Mateo County's Peninsula Library System (PLS) was undertaken to determine if the system should automate material circulation systemwide in order to reduce operating costs while improving circulation procedures and increasing patron access to system…

A project was conducted from 1980 to 1982 to examine the costs and benefits of OCLC use in 29 small and medium-sized member libraries of the Illinois Valley Library System (IVLS). Academic, school, public, and special libraries participated in the project. A major project objective was to determine whether the sharing of an OCLC terminal by two to…

This report presents results from Phase 1 of the British Columbia Library Network (BCLN) Project, which included the installation and evaluation of a comprehensive library cataloging system using the University of Victoria Computing Center IBM 4341 computer. Evaluation included actual use of the system, performance and cost studies, feature and…

This study compares the three versions of DOBIS (Dartmunder Bibliothekssystem) that are currently running in Canada and the Washington Library Network (WLN) systems in order to determine which one is the most appropriate to replicate in support of the British Columbia Library Network (BCLN). Comparisons of systems costs and operating features, the…

Study of advantages, disadvantages, and costs to small two-year college library of participation in online cataloging network concludes that networking is too expensive for smallest third of nation's libraries. Disadvantages include increased demands on professional staff time and cost in excess of $3.00 per title cataloged. Twenty-three…

Issues and impacts of microcomputer use in libraries are discussed in terms of labor dislocation, costs, distributed data processing, networks, current system configurations and capabilities, and software. Reference service management, information retrieval systems, and external online access are also examined. Twenty-six references are listed.…

A project was conducted from 1980 to 1982 to determine the costs and benefits of OCLC use in 29 small and medium-sized member libraries of the Illinois Valley Library System (IVLS). Academic, school, public, and special libraries participated in the project. Based on written attitude surveys of and interviews with library directors, staff,…

Because the cost of computers has decreased significantly in the last few years and their capabilities have increased significantly, a minicomputer is proposed as the front end processor for an automated library system of a medium sized library. The local library processor is to be connected to a larger computer which hosts the data base and…

Profiles the New England Library Information Network (NELINET), whose purpose is to serve as focal point for achievement of cost effective library automation through shared resources. Origins of NELINET are highlighted as well as NELINET services, including archival tapes, role as OCLC broker network, cost effectiveness, and successful use of new…

Despite technological development allowing fast identification of specific citations and information sources, there is still a significant time lag in obtaining documents not available in a given university library system. In an effort to improve the speed and to identify cost effective means of obtaining documents through interlibrary loan, this…

This feasibility study was conducted to collect financial, operational, and other data concerning the alternatives of continuing with the University of Toronto Library Automation System (UTLAS), the present supplier of catalog support to the British Columbia Union Catalogue (BCUC) participating libraries, or of replicating the Washington Library…