Basic options for the automation of management functions in the school library media center are the circulation system, the online catalog, the acquisitions system, and the serials check-in. In order to select the most appropriate system, library media specialists must: (1) research both the library's needs and the technologies available, and (2) develop plans to guide decisions about purchases, training for staff, and maintenance. The findings of this research will be used to develop detailed plans and budgets that include training for the media specialist and the costs of hardware, software, and databases. Since few integrated systems exist which incorporate all of the library's automated functions, a decision will have to be made whether to install two or more limited integrated systems (such as catalog/circulation and acquisitions/serial check-in) or four separate systems. In either case, compatibility--i.e., the ability to transfer data between systems--is an important feature to be considered. Another major concern is the entry of data in the new system, particularly catalog and circulation data. In addition, retrospective conversion of existing catalog records to machine-readable form can be expensive and time-consuming, whether performed on-site or externally by a vendor. The impacts of automation are both immediate and long-term. School library media centers which have automated their management operations have found that students and faculty have been able to access information more easily and that routine tasks can now be performed more quickly. However, these same library media centers must be prepared to handle a lack of standardization at various access levels, and to learn to work on upgraded software and hardware as they become available. (10 references) (MAB)