This report describes an online public access catalog (OPAC) developed at Pennsylvania State University which downloads, manages, and manipulates data once it has been retrieved. The paper begins with a list of the 12 features of the system, which is called MicroLIAS (Library Information Access System): (1) build and fully index any number of local databases; (2) access local databases and LIAS using the same body of searching skills; (3) download records from the LIAS online public access catalog into local databases; (4) input/edit records using formatted work screens and a full screen editor; (5) build variable length records with variable length fields; (6) use USMARC tags and subfields or named field tags; (7) select from multiple displays for individual records; (8) customize indexing for each database; (9) use system-supplied and user-defined function keys; (10) interface with word processing software; (11) configure software to suit individual needs; and (12) produce customized bibliographies and book catalogs. Descriptions and examples are then provided of current MicroLIAS applications in the library's technical services (gifts control, labelling, snags control); public services (new books listing, subject bibliographies, videocassette catalog); and computing services (tracking work-in-progress, inventory control, tracing terminal problems). Also presented is a list of possible future areas of application of the system. It is suggested that the design of MicroLIAS, which treats the OPAC as a source of information rather than as an end in itself, is an important concept that should be seriously considered in the further development of online catalogs. (CGD)