Computers have had a tremendous impact on library services as automation has affected every aspect of library activity. Automated systems may be viewed as either internal, intermediate, or external, and different factors must be considered in planning for various types of systems. Internal systems, which are used only by library personnel, handle serials management and acquisitions. The main considerations involved in implementing them are funding for the system and the training of library personnel. Intermediate systems are more visible to the public than internal systems, and include the circulation system and cataloging. Major considerations in implementing this type of system are the same as for internal systems, with such additional factors as patron instruction and system promotion. External systems involve groups from outside the library (e.g., patrons), and include reference services and library collections. Considerations for implementing this type of system involve the same factors as internal and intermediate systems, but also encompass issues of cooperative planning with the library, faculty, and students, because the success of external systems pivots around some form of consensus among the affected parties. (SD)