Introduction to Automation for Librarians

In this complete update of his classic text, author and automation expert William Saffady once again performs the vital function of surveying the types of technology used in libraries and discussing the library applications available to staff and patrons. Library managers, new librarians, students and instructors in library and information science programmes should benefit from the readable and complete profiles of library systems and practical applications. Written in simple terms that even technophobes can understand, "Introduction to Automation" provides the keys to identifying the important characteristics of technology and understanding its many uses and applications. Divided into two parts, the book first thoroughly discusses the essential technologies, including: computer hardware, with emphasis on small computers; new developments in operating systems; telecommunications and computer networking, including LANs, Internet, intranet and extranets; and technologies such as video, faxes and micrographics.
Part 2 evaluates various library applications of technology, including: automated cataloguing systems, bibliographic utilities and CD-ROM support products; integrated library systems and technical services functions and computer-based reference services. Librarians need to be up to date in the many uses of library automation in order to allocate resources, make staffing decisions, and provide services to patrons.