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Focuses on the library automation industry as of April 1, 2002. View that a small number of large companies control the greatest market share; Discussion of the purchase of Data Research Associates by Sirsi Corp.; International connections of North American companies such as Endeavor Information Systems; Competition in expanding the Web OPAC to employ more content components and to expand the library services and options it offers.

Stresses the important services an online catalog offers and lists some of the most important trends and changes in library cataloging. The emergence of a trend to link local catalogs to each other; Changes in the way library users search the catalog; Assertion that many librarians lack understanding of the role that catalogers should play; Commitment of the American Library Association to address the recruitment of catalogers; Efforts of librarians to ensure that the bibliographic records created can be used in the catalogs of all libraries; Discussion of MARC formats and ways to order bibliographic records on the online catalog screen; Opinion that a change in the approach to subject cataloging could accomplish a great deal. INSET: The National Coordinated Cataloging Program.

Discusses a survey of library automation and the needs of libraries that are trying to upgrade computer systems. Percentage of libraries which are planning to upgrade computer systems they have had installed in the past five years; Finding that circulation control, which was the first library function to be automated, was the module most common among those purchased by the libraries with systems; The use of computers by libraries to catalog their collections and provide an online public access catalog module (OPAC) in their systems; Plans of most public libraries surveyed to replace their computers and add new modules or functions to their systems.

The article reports on a study performed during 1987 that tested the belief among catalogers that the quality of original cataloging in online computer library catalog (OCLC) and research libraries information networks (RLIN) differs markedly, and determines whether some kinds of errors occurred with greater frequency in member-contributed original cataloging. In the early years of these two major U.S. bibliographic networks, Library of Congress machine-readable cataloging (LC MARC records) formed the nucleus and large majority of records of both databases. Although LC MARC records are not error-free, they were then and are today the highest standard of quality in the U.S., leaving the networks to assume that most of their cataloging was the best quality available. Using MARC records as their authority, both databases required member libraries to follow LC practice. The proportion of records in OCLC and RLIN contributed by member libraries has grown steadily, while the proportion of LC MARC records declined. The two networks took different approaches to quality control. They had different objectives, pricing structures, cataloging needs and capabilities, and historic developments. At the risk of oversimplifying, it is not unfair to say that OCLC emphasized building its database, encouraging members to contribute new cataloging without applying strict controls on its accuracy and fullness, while RLIN assigned a high priority to cataloging quality, encouraging accuracy and fullness in records even if fewer of them were contributed as a result.

The article examines the role of technology in libraries. Libraries began using online systems in the early 1970s to automate internal procedures such as acquisitions and circulation control. This process of internal automation created an up-to-date online file of bibliographic information, including holdings and status availability of a library's collection. Initially, this online file was used only by library personnel at staff-use terminals. The proliferation of online terminals and the expansion of this valuable database have gradually attracted the library's users to its use. To meet this demand, libraries are now providing direct access for library users through the use of online public access catalogs. These are equipped with so-called user friendly interfaces with which a wide range of library users feel comfortable. Searching by subject, title, author, or keyword, library users can access all of the information in the catalog that relates to a specific word or phrase. Compared to the conventional card catalog, the online public access terminal quickly provides current information on a library's holdings, their availability, and their whereabouts. Library automation has now evolved into a powerful aid for gaining access to information both inside and outside the library.

Discusses the importance of library databases to online public access catalogs (OPAC). View that databases should only have to be created once, because having to re-create a bibliographic datebase or reconstruct it will be costly for an institution; Observation that libraries are often tempted to take shortcuts in creating the database because they use bibliographic utilities and other sources of machine-readable cataloging records; Use of a national bibliographic utility by a college library for current cataloging and retrospective conversion; Situation in which a library consortium merged machine-readable records from all of its members for a microfiche union catalog.

This article discusses an approach to cost allocation in shared automated library systems. The design of a good cost allocation formula is difficult, but manageable. In most cases the participating institutions will be different in size, reflected by the size of their databases, number of technical services and circulation transactions, and patrons served. usually, the institutions will have differing emphases of how the system will be used, some stressing the circulation function and others the online catalog. One library will want 20 online public access catalogs (OPAC) terminals and another will only want a few for the reference staff. Academic libraries will want interactive links to their student registration systems and campuswide networks. Public libraries will place much emphasis on the efficiencies of the ability of the circulation module to process patron check-outs quickly and accurately. And then there is the cost of communications between the different locations and the central computer system. The largest library may argue that the computer should be at the location with the most terminals. Another library may propose that it be located in the most central geographic location to all participating institutions.

This article discusses the goal of every library to increase its services to patrons while containing the costs of providing those services. Increasing costs of library operations has made this goal a difficult and challenging one. The library system consortium has been one logical response to this need. Consolidation of data and sharing of system costs has worked in a mutual advantage. As library systems have evolved and matured, it is evident that the library database is much larger and encompasses more library materials than it did when systems were driven solely by circulation requirements. This transition is relevant to library systems planning. In relation to this, there is a need to develop a standard or de facto standard for online catalog access. The complexity of online catalog access, in one point or another, has posed a larger challenge to libraries. The lack of standards for online access has resulted in inconsistent record access. The generic equivalents in an automated environment, such as record display and index listing, now vary from one vendor to another. This means that something significant has been lost in the automation process. The application of computing technology in library services must include a conscious effort to be certain that users are provided with coherent structure of access to library materials and recorded knowledge in all libraries.

Discusses the options available to reference librarians for online searching for books. Advantages of OPACs, EPIC, OCLC and other online search services and databases; Fees.

Reports that BiblioMondo has introduced the Zones 'family' of library products, a suite of products for children and adults offering a highly attractive interface, personalization, and easy searching. Products in the suite, including LibraryZone, MyZone, SearchZone, and KidsZone; Features of LibraryZone, the central point of entry; Remarks from Brendan Walsh, BiblioMondo's director of communications; Description of SearchZone, which allows users to search their home library's catalog or the Internet and toggle to other libraries OPACs to retrieve text, photos, and multimedia files; Development of the Zones concept; Plans to release a high-end version of the suite called Zones SL.

States that The Library Corporation added the Tamil language to its CARL·Solution online catalog at the National Library Board in Singapore. Features of the system, which includes the ITS·International cataloging software; Extent of the spoken Tamil language.

Presents the opinion of the author about the complexity of technology. Statement that there is too much technology in modern life; Nostalgia for simplicity; Complexity of online public access catalogs; Use of technology in libraries; Competition between libraries and the Internet; Appreciation for the speed and convenience of Google and other Internet search engines; Recommendation that librarians keep library systems simple.

This article presents strategies and methods used by librarians in improving their services and efficiency. Before the advent of online catalog and CD-ROM products, patrons used the controlled vocabulary of the card catalog or indexes. With more electronic search options available, comprehending the difference between controlled-vocabular searching and free-text concept seems to be difficult to understand. To aid in explaining difference between the two, you can use the yellow pages of the telephone book. For example, auto repair or car repair is not found on online catalog, but automobile repair and service can be found. In terms of educating patrons about your library, use your student's newspaper to run articles about the library, which could be on topics such as history of the library and ways of surviving the library. Libraries can coordinate with the community theater in building their drama collection. Ask for two or three copies of scripts of performed play. Assign a three-day loan period for plays currently being performed and when the production is over, transfer the copies to regular circulation. Libraries can also use database computer programs to generate individualized reading list to staff and clients.

This article discusses a variety of issues concerning library automation which would link microcomputers to an established integrated library system and would allow networking and sharing of CD-ROM database over the same workstations, or create home grown databases that can be used by librarians and patrons on a turnkey library system in the U.S. Despite all the talks concerning an open system architecture, librarians are still facing problems in developing a single integrated automated library system which will handle all library information technology and automation needs. As Mitch Freedman, of the Westchester County Library System, puts it, only few libraries can afford the cost of a staff with the expertise to an automated integrated program and maintain such a system. Traditional turnkey systems are still the solution for the overwhelming majority of libraries. In turn, turnkey vendors will still be able to supply both software and hardware for specified functions. The most common will be circulation control and the online public access catalog. Hearing news about library automated system builds an unrealistic expectations for libraries. Sure it is possible to use such systems in huge public or academic research libraries that could administer and maintain a complex system.

Reports that every official Roman alphabet title has been logged into the online catalog of the University of Minnesota Libraries. Report that there are over one million items in the NOTIS-based catalog known as Libraries of the University of Minnesota Integrated Network Access (LUMINA); Use of LUMINA for acquisitions, fund accounting, cataloging, and serials control; Funding for the cataloging project which was provided by the Bush Foundation and other donors.

Reports on the developments in library automation in the U.S., as of November 1988. Availability of computer programs for managing information; Addition of members for the Wayne State University-based Detroit Area Library Network; Utilization of an information retrieval system with optical disc and floppy disk applications; Implementation of online catalog and information system.