Describes the use of electronic spreadsheet software for library decision support systems using personal computers. Discussion covers templates, formulas for allocating the materials budget, LOTUS 1-2-3 and budget allocations, choosing a formula, the spreadsheet itself, graphing capabilities, and advantages and disadvantages of templates. Six…

Reports results of survey of 21 smaller to medium-sized (50,000-200,000 volumes) libraries which was conducted to determine factors used to make selection decisions in purchase of automated turnkey systems from established vendors. Factors examined include costs, software, hardware, and vendors for parts A (actual experience) and B (hypothetical…

Describes the organization and automation plan of the Bibliotheque Nationale (Paris, France) that was begun in 1981. Highlights include the method of moving toward computerization; technical choices; the choosing procedure (pre-qualification, bench-mark test); short term and pilot operations; and preparation for the implementation of the…

Discusses four potential problem areas in the employment of temporary librarians in a variety of positions in academic libraries--orientation, supervision, acceptance and integration, and utilization--and notes the influence of time limitations on the work environment. Solutions are suggested, and further research is proposed. Fourteen sources are…

Relates experiences of University of Rochester's main library during complete renovation of the central reference department including the addition of a full-service reference station. Topics covered include planning the reference station, solutions to seven design requirements, increase in staffing and reference questions after one year, and…

Based on interviews with OCLC staff, network directors, and librarians in member libraries, and related literature review, it is recommended that OCLC take steps to improve statistics it currently makes available and to consider leadership role in helping libraries use microcomputer technology to provide statistics for library management. (27…

Ten articles focusing on adult learning services in public libraries highlight global trends, support for intentional change, counseling and information needs of adult learners, adult learner services at Pratt Library and North York (Ontario) library, process of learning, administrative considerations, political factors, and implications for…

Explores the implications of changes to be expected within foreseeable future (1985-95) in environment, mission, functions, and operations of academic libraries for librarians and librarianship. Context of academic librarianship, governance, faculty status, the library's information economy, marketing information to end user, and possible futures…

This essay discussing effects of automation on library personnel and library services notes civil service structures; failures in personnel administration; rigidity in library service; access to information by "temporary" language; evaluative, judgmental analysis of the book, data, or journal; dangers of centralized decision-making and…

Describes underlying rationale of program designed to offer recent library school graduates special training opportunities that focus on current issues, trends, and developments in academic librarianship. Recruitment, educational component of program, roles of supervisors and project director, and comments from three residents (expectations,…

Quality in library technical services is explored in light of changes produced by automation. Highlights include a definition of quality; new opportunities and shifting priorities; cataloging (fullness of records, heading consistency, accountability, local standards, automated checking); need for new skills (management, staff); and boons of…

Discusses features of online library catalogs and their cost characteristics, including financial management and planning (hardware and software options, turnkey vendors); approaches to cost analysis (actual experiences, building blocks); baseline estimates for two average academic libraries; and vendor estimates. Forty-five references and a…

Describes experience of Boulder Public Library, where management and support personnel established pre-experiment baseline data for comparison with quantitative and qualitative results of experiment to determine the impact of telecommuting (work-at-home) on worker productivity. Background, methodology, equipment enhancements, and data analysis are…

A 700-volume specialized library was organized at average cost per title of less than $1.50 despite lack of personnel and limited funds. A plan was developed to classify titles using Library of Congress and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), and a cataloging service was located to produce card sets and book labels. (EJS)

Description of the use of volunteers in parochial elementary school libraries notes recruitment and sources of volunteers; training of volunteers; three types of workshops; guidance and supervision of volunteers; additional assistance for volunteers (i.e., short lessons in mending, book reviewing, purchasing); duties assumed by volunteers; and…