Introduces four articles on the development of information retrieval standards by people closely involved in the process. Standards organizations are described, addresses are given, and information sources are listed. (five references) (EA)

Describes the development of the SNOBOL4 programing language and discusses its use in libraries for text processing applications. Other languages that are oriented toward text processing are discussed, including SPITBOL and ICON; programing skills necessary to use SNOBOL4 are discussed; and a vendor for SNOBOL4 products is recommended. (15…

This article discusses trends in five areas relating to software developed for libraries, and based on these trends, the author's predictions for developments that might play out in the next few years. The author's predictions, based on his own empirical observations, include: (1) the integrated library system (ILS) will be reintegrated; (2) the…

For most people on campuses, September means revising syllabi, enjoying football, or avoiding the person you broke up with last spring. For college librarians, it marks the beginning of "renewal season." It is time for the tedious work of placing orders and negotiating licenses for next year's journals. However, relief may be on the horizon.…

Traditional library web products, whether online public access catalogs, library databases, or even library web sites, have long been rigidly controlled and difficult to use. Patrons regularly prefer Google's simple interface. Now social bookmarking and tagging tools help librarians bridge the gap between the library's need to offer authoritative,…

Purpose: To describe the first year of the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) in Middlesex University Learning Resources. Design/methodology/approach: The technology is explained in detail to set the scene. Information on the implementation is presented in chronological order. Findings: Problems which would generally be…

This library automation style guide lists specific terms and names often used in the library automation industry. The terms and/or acronyms are listed alphabetically and each is followed by a brief definition. The guide refers to the "Chicago Manual of Style" for general rules, and a notes section is included for the convenience of individual…

Recommends the establishment of a national bibliographic center for public libraries as an alternative source of cataloging. (PF)

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)

The advantages of computerization in classifying photographs and slides are demonstrated. (PF)

Careful attention to the selection of an appropriate microformat and viewing equipment can successfully extend the effectiveness of computer output microfilm to include patron-use library automation applications. (Author)

Variety-generator approach seeks to reflect the microstructure of data elements in their description for storage and search, and takes advantage of the consistency of statistical characteristics of data elements in homogeneous data bases. (Author)

Software, hardware, procedural, and operational components of the California State University and Colleges systemwide approach to library automation are reviewed with specific emphasis on the time periods involved, the phasing of implementation, and finally, the costs and benefits anticipated from this project. (Author)

The proceedings of an October 1974 institute on automated serials control are summarized. (Author/PF)