Automated Library Systems

Part 1 Automated library systems - an overview: definitions. Part 2 Key players/leaders in the field - past and present: historical trends; importance of the marketplace; primary vendors; sources for further reading. Part 3 The planning process: justification for automating; the committee process; should you go with a consultant?; specifications; bidding process; selection of an automated library system; benchmarking; contract negotiations; installation; training; system activation. Part 4 Core modules: cataloguing; circulation; acquisitions; serials. Part 5 Retrospective conversion: background; what does MARC look like?; the advent of the microcomputer age; what is MicroLIF?; why do you need a database that works with MARC records?; what are the benefits of RECON with MARC II format?; reasons cited by libraries for doing RECON; why would a library not do RECON?; the planning process; develop a plan of action; examine and evaluate options for converting records; analyze the situation; implement the plan of action. Part 6 The Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC): background and early studies; OPAC user studies; comparing competing vendor systems; the OPAC is a multidimensional access tool; training and training materials for staff and patrons; the OPAC and ergonomics; cost considerations. Part 7 Microcomputer-based automated library systems: a growing field - the advent of the microcomputer in automated library systems; tips, traps, and planning guidelines; features to be considered. Part 8 CD-ROM based automated library systems -a field in limbo: historical development; vendors/systems; the role of standards; system requirements; characteristics of CD-ROM PACs; librarians's perspectives; what are the problems to look for when purchasing a CD-ROM PAC?; successful vendor strategies; planning for the system; selecting and preparing for the system; what others have done in the field. Part 9 Trends which will continue into the future: overview; a look into the future; trends.