bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a microcomputer to access bibliographic databases: experience with Userlink software in the ICI Organics Division Information and Library Services Unit
Authors: Wales J.L.
Published: February 2008

Describes development projects for utilising relatively cheap but powerful microcomputers to facilitate the searching of remote, dial‐up, databases. Viewdata and databases with graphics output, as well as ones with text output, were dealt with in the projects. Current ‘state of the art’ uses software developed by Userlink Systems Ltd to provide access via an IBM PC to both in‐house mainframe systems and external information sources. In addition, other but related facilites were built into one of the systems developed; these included word processing, housekeeping procedures and limited downloading capability. With the ability to store and retrieve easily the often lengthy and complicated procedures necessary for gaining access to online hosts, and transmit rapidly a search, the user is saved much time, effort and cost. The projects were undertaken jointly between an industrial information unit, providing the system definitions and evaluating the development, and a team of computer software specialists.
Towards an expert system for cataloguing: some experiments based on AACR2
Authors: Davies Roy , James Brian
Published: February 2008

Librarians have sought to reduce the cost of cataloguing by sharing bibliographic data, but it is still an expensive, labour intensive process which is a reason why short entry catalogues have been advocated. Existing computer systems have tended to automate the clerical aspects of cataloguing but developments in artificial intelligence hold out the prospect of automating the professional aspects too. The feasibility of creating an expert system for cataloguing using the PROLOG programming language, was the subject of a postgraduate research project at Exeter University. Such a system would be capable of applying many AACR2 cataloguing rules automatically and would also cope with rules governing local practices.
Combined production of a current awareness bulletin and database on a microcomputer
Authors: Green Kevin E. , Whiting Joyce
Published: February 2008

The use of a microcomputer in a special library to create an in‐house database of articles selected from current journals is described. Weekly current awareness bulletins are then produced by interfacing the database software with word processor software. Automation saves time in bulletin preparation and enables quicker, more efficient searching of library stock. Selection and choice of the computer and software are discussed, and other applications and future developments are mentioned.
Computer‐based library systems in Scandinavian countries with focus on the Danish libraries
Authors: Sinding Elisabet , Ornager Susanne
Published: February 2008

The development of computer‐based systems in Scandinavian libraries began during the early 1970s. In the individual Nordic countries there are no approaches to formulating a joint policy to influence this development. The absence of a formalised policy implies that a kaleidoscopic picture of systems and development strategies in the 1980s has emerged. The categories of computerised library automation systems operational in Scandinavian countries today are described in the article just as consideration is given to the schemes for systems developed up to 1990.
PERLINE on a microcomputer
Authors: Holmes Phil
Published: February 2008

Blackwell's PERLINE has been established as one of a new breed of library systems and a leader for automation of serials control. Alongside it is BOOKLINE, which together with PERLINE provides a fully comprehensive, integrated suite of programs covering all aspects of book and journal selection, check‐in, circulation or routing, claiming, accessioning and binding, and fund accounting. A recent article in VINE explains the system. This paper discusses microcomputer applications of PERLINE.
Retrieval with dBase II
Authors: O'Brien Sean
Published: February 2008

Librarians using dBase II will be familiar with its retrieval problems, particularly from complex fields. dBase II has two commands for searching: locate acts sequentially on the main file and so can take a long time, depending on the size of the file. FIND requires that an inverted index file be set up, which it then searches quickly.
Applications of local area networks in special libraries and information services: research in progress
Authors: Copeland Joyce M. , Flood Stephen
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the progress of a British Library Research and Development Department (BLRDD) research project taking place in Aslib Research and Consultancy to investigate applications of local area networks (LANs) in special libraries and information services. The project started in October 1983 and is scheduled to last for two years.
Videodisks at ALA: personal impressions from the ALA midsummer exhibition
Authors: McSean Tony
Published: February 2008

With the exception of the voice‐controlled terminal that Dataphase presented (which struck me as the most entertaining exhibit, if not the most practical), digital videodisks and systems using colour VDUs were the two notable gimmicks on show at the American Library Association (ALA) midsummer exhibition held in Dallas, Texas from 23 June to 26 June 1984. In both cases gimmick is a fair description, because none of the exhibitors claimed to have in production a system with either feature.
Automation at the British Library Lending Division: present situation and future plans
Authors: Wheatley Michael L.
Published: February 2008

The main automation systems at the British Library Lending Division are based on three minicomputers. A Digital Equipment minicomputer is used for the Automated Request Transmission system for receiving users' loan and photocopy requests as well as being used for the Address Database system which holds relevant information about the Lending Division's users. A Unit Accounting system will be added to service users' deposit accounts. The Systime minicomputer runs the Serials system which maintains details of serials received by the Lending Division and provides various working tools which are to include online retrieval by keyword of serial titles. Serials check‐in and invoicing functions may be implemented. The Systime minicomputer also supports part of a system to produce a publication British Reports, Translations and Theses (BRTT) as well as a system for record creation of UK input to the System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (SIGLE). The Geac minicomputer has been installed with software packages to implement the Monograph Acquisitions and Records system starting with cataloguing of monographs. The minicomputers may eventually be linked to the British Library Wide Area Network recently extended to the Lending Division.
An overview of information retrieval software for microcomputers in France
Authors: Bertrand Roland , Henriot Emmanual
Published: February 2008

The potential uses of microcomputers seem unlimited and information retrieval is now an important area of application. This paper presents the teachings and the conclusions of a survey undertaken by the DBMIST (Direction des Bibliothèques, des Musées et de l'Information Scientifique et Technique) in the French Department of National Education. Forty systems have been studied but only ten of them appear to be interesting. A range of criteria allows us to classify packages in two main categories: the first suitable for personal systems or very small information centres recording up to approximately 5,000 documents; and the second appropriate for average documentation units.
Report of a seminar on software evaluation for library and information applications
Authors: Flood Stephen
Published: February 2008

On 1 February 1985 an invited audience of representatives from a wide variety of library and information organisations attended a seminar on software evaluation sponsored by the British Library and held at Information House, the headquarters of Aslib, the Association for Information Management.
The use of the BASIS database management system to produce a highly current technocommercial database
Authors: Barker Frances H. , Taylor F. John
Published: February 2008

The requirements for producing a current database, Chemical Business NewsBase (CBNB), updated weekly, including the data content, are briefly outlined. The use of BASIS for data capture, validation, manipulation, and output of the data is discussed with particular reference to the features which support the human element in production and which are used for quality control. Routine production and distribution of CBNB are further examined.
Online end‐user training: experiences in a large industrial organisation
Authors: Martin Jane F. , Dutton Brian G.
Published: February 2008

ICI plc is convinced that there is a very real role for the end‐user in the acquisition of information by online search and Mond Division has been training end‐users since 1983. This article describes the setting‐up of the project, the methodology and results, and outlines developments being pursued in conjunction with other Divisions of ICI towards an ideal system. Implications of the project for the role of the information scientists themselves are considered.
Online searching and other library uses of a Decmate II
Authors: Dibley Shelia , Yeadon Janice
Published: February 2008

We have found that it is relatively unusual to use a Decmate II in the library and so the following notes may be of interest to those considering word processing/communications equipment.
Geac with local enhancements: the integrated real‐time system at the University of Sussex Library
Authors: Young R.C. , Stone P.T. , Pickles J.S. , Lee S.R. , Lambert P.J.
Published: February 2008

The Sussex Geac system went live in June 1981, taking over from (and absorbing features of) the various batch systems which had been developed in‐house during the previous ten years. Geac Computers Ltd's circulation module has been extensively modified and extended by the Library's own systems staff: beside real‐time circulation, it now incorporates most acquisitions and cataloguing functions and some of the functions associated with serials. Forty‐six library system terminals are online to the Geac 8000 computer. The system operates from a single database and is thus highly integrated: a description of the acquisition and cataloguing process illustrates this. An online public access catalogue (eighteen terminals) was inaugurated in 1983: through it, library patrons are offered a unified picture of stock locations and availability, including real‐time loan status of copies. A locally developed report generator is used to produce various listings (including COM microfiche back‐up catalogues) from the online database. Book usage data is accumulated and processed by the system, and the results are fed back into stock management and basic acquisitions policies. The Geac hardware has proved to be highly reliable — the availability of the system has averaged 98.3 per cent over four years. The system has enabled substantial and direct improvements to be made in the Library's service to its users.
Building services and environmental needs of information technology in academic libraries
Authors: Heathcote Denis , Stubley Peter
Published: February 2008

Guidelines are suggested for dealing with the impact made on the physical environment of the library by the introduction of information technology. The implications for building services (power, telecommunications, environment, and security) are considered at length. Further sections address the problems of space layout for staff and students, the design and selection of furniture and equipment, and storage and security.
Using standard software for small‐scale library projects: experience at Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic with WordStar and dBase II
Authors: Hare Catherine E. , Winship Ian R.
Published: February 2008

WordStar and dBase II are used for a very wide range of small‐scale applications within a general policy of making computers available to all library staff. Ease of use is aided by having menu‐driven programs and providing appropriate instructions for each application. Descriptions are given of typical projects from straightforward word processing of user education documents to databases that require conversion between text and data files.
Planning for automation: catalogue use survey at Humberside College of Higher Education
Authors: Holgate Elizabeth , LENTON JANE
Published: February 2008

Humberside College of Higher Education is comparable to a polytechnic in its size and range of courses, and is the largest of the six major higher education colleges in England and Wales; the college also has the largest Library/Learning Resources operation. It has four main sites, three in Hull and one across the Humber at Grimsby. There are, at present, seven libraries and a central Bibliographical Services Unit. The library has a union COM catalogue produced monthly via the BLAISE/LOCAS system, which has been received since October 1981. Retrospective cataloguing is still underway to convert each site's card catalogue into machine‐readable format. Currently there are 60,000 monograph titles (representing 150,000 copies) covered by the union COM catalogue. Since 1981 in‐house computing facilities have been used to produce a subject index, and for the periodical control system. The latest aspect of the library service to undergo automation has been the book order system, in April 1985.
Computer‐based library systems in the National and University Library in Zagreb
Authors: Skender Dubravka , Willar Mirna
Published: February 2008

The beginnings of the Yugoslav National and University Library (Nacionalna i sveučilišna biblioteka), Zagreb reach back as far as the first years of the 17th century when the Jesuit Collegium was founded in Zagreb (1606). There is evidence that it became a public library in 1818 and in 1837 the library was granted the right to receive deposit copies from the territories of Croatia and Slavenia. By 1945 the University Library was formally established as the central library of Croatia. According to the Library Law of 1960 passed by the Parliament of the Republic, the former name Sveučilišna knjižnica (University Library) was changed to Nacionalna i sveučilišna biblioteka — NSB (National and University Library) in conformity with its tasks and activities. According to the law, it has also formally become the central library for bibliographic information in the Republic, and has become responsible for publishing the national bibliography.
The Geac‐based OPAC at the University of Sussex Library
Authors: Young R.C. , Lee S.R.
Published: February 2008

The Sussex OPAC is based on the Public Query software of Geac Computers Ltd's circulation module, but with substantial local modification. Coverage of loanable items in stock has reached 75 per cent, and the OPAC is now considered as the library's major catalogue. The OPAC displays very detailed copy availability information, including real‐time loan status and information about copies which are missing or on order: this is greatly valued by the library's users. Eighteen public terminals handle between 6,000 and 7,000 searches a day in term. Searches may be made by an author/title derived search key (‘Quick’ search), by author or other name, by title, by keyword/keyphrase, or by classmark; 70 per cent of searches are by routes which were not available in the card catalogues. The main stages in the development of the OPAC are described and a search is illustrated. Usage logs have been used to analyse user behaviour and to improve the design of the OPAC. User education methods, the campus‐wide extension of the service, and possibilities for future development are described.
First experiences with OCLC's LS/2000 OPAC at Newcastle University Library
Authors: Bagnall John , Jeffreys Alan
Published: February 2008

Newcastle University has been involved in library automation for many years, but only recently were services taken from an outside supplier, OCLC. The online public access cataloguing sub‐system of OCLC's LS/2000 went live in March 1985. The sub‐system is described, with examples of output, including the use of boolean techniques and subject searches. Peer instruction for library users is seen as preferable to more formal instruction by library staff.
READFAST — an online information retrieval system
Authors: Kulkarni D.R. , Bharucha R.R.
Published: February 2008

READFAST, an online user‐friendly system, has been developed for the Library of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India. The abbreviation READFAST stands for REtrieval of Acquired Documents using a Friendly And STructured system. It is based on the package DBMS‐10, and has been implemented on DEC‐1091 under TOPS‐10 operating system. The system has been fully coded in DEC FORTRAN‐10 version‐7, (similar to FORTRAN‐77) consisting of approximately 5,000 lines. It also includes an assembly routine (written in DEC‐1091 macro language), which extracts the project and programmer number (ppn) of a person who has logged on, as a string of 13 ASCII characters.
Development of an agricultural database for dissemination of research information to research and extension workers using STATUS software
Authors: Pasqual G.
Published: February 2008

The Information Branch of the Western Australian Department of Agriculture (WADA) provides an internal information service for research and extension workers throughout Western Australia. The increased generation of scientific and technical information within WADA has created a growing need for more efficient ways to store, retrieve, and disseminate information.
INSTRUCT: a teaching package for experimental methods in information retrieval. Part II. Computational aspects
Authors: Hendry Ian G , Willett Peter , Wood Frances E.
Published: February 2008

INSTRUCT is an interactive computer program illustrating some of the techniques which have been suggested for use in future text retrieval systems. The program is designed as a computerised teaching aid for students in schools of librarianship and information science. A previous paper has provided a general overview of the novel retrieval facilities provided by INSTRUCT. The present paper discusses the means by which these facilities have been implemented: in particular, detailed descriptions are given of the nearest‐neighbour search algorithm that underlies the string similarity and ranked output modules of the program, and of the term‐weighting schemes that are used. The paper concludes with a discussion of potential enhancements to the present program.
A journals binding system at Sunderland Polytechnic using dBase II
Authors: Halliday S.
Published: February 2008

The paper describes the use of a Digital Rainbow computer for organising, listing, displaying and retrospectively storing records of journals sent for binding at Sunderland Polytechnic Library. It touches briefly on the problems of the old manual system, and on the general difficulties of establishing a binding policy. The paper goes on to describe the creation of the main database files, and the command files which produce lists for the binders, integrated informative lists of all material away at a time, and lists of journals not bound. Also described is the creation of separate disks and files for retrospective storing of binding of records. The results are twofold: a more informative and efficient system of recording binding issues has been produced; and the automated system has generated the formation of a comprehensive binding policy.
Library automation in Nigeria: achievements and constraints on progress
Authors: Agha S.J.
Published: February 2008

This communication emerges from a survey carried out as part of the author's Master's dissertation. Library automation in Nigeria has been a subject of attention since the mid‐1970s because of the spreading knowledge of the new technologies, and the efforts of Nigerian library workers, particularly those with study experience in, and contact with, the industrialised world. Evidence was found, while conducting the survey, that Nigerian library workers are enthusiastic about, and willing to use, the new technologies while remaining fully cognisant of the constraints faced.
Report on the European Library Automation Group meeting at the National Library of Spain, Madrid, 23–25 April 1986
Authors: Goossens Paula
Published: February 2008

ELAG — the European Library Automation Group has existed for seven years now, and held its tenth meeting in the National Library of Spain in Madrid April 23–25 1986. OPACs (online public access catalogues), a high scorer in the field of actual library automation work was the topic. Meetings of different types and with various purposes are organised around this theme and new articles are published every day.
Business information on CD‐ROM: the Datext service at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire
Authors: Fries James , Brown Jonathan
Published: February 2008

The Feldberg (business studies) Library at Dartmouth College has, since January 1986, been subscribing to Datext, a CD‐ROM database containing bibliographic, textual, and numeric information on over 10,000 American public companies. The data is derived from six commercial online databases and held on four optical discs, new versions of which arrive monthly. The ‘ondisc’ database is searched using software supplied by Datext, Inc. and running on an IBM PC. Searching is menu‐based and designed with end‐users in mind. Datext menus, screen displays, and facilities for further processing of retrieved data (e.g. on spreadsheets) are described and illustrated. CD‐ROM ondisc searching is compared with traditional online searching, and the currency of information on Datext is discussed. It is concluded that while straightforward repackaging onto CD‐ROM of single online databases may not be attractive, ‘value‐added’ products such as Datext, which collate information from several sources and provide facilities for manipulation of the retrieved data, will be greatly valued in particular library situations.
Library consultancy in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Overseas Development Administration
Authors: Griffiths Peter D. , MacLachlan Elizabeth A
Published: February 2008

Most of the literature of library consultancy has been written by practising consultants. It concentrates on what consultants require to do their job and their perceptions of the process. This paper describes from the Library staff's viewpoint the various steps in a particular automation consultancy study which took place in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Overseas Development Administration libraries in the first half of 1986, and attempts to draw some general conclusions from them.
Development of an integrated automated system in the Department of Printed Books in the National Library of Wales
Authors: Jeremiah David
Published: February 2008

This article presents a resumé of the development, implementation and the first year of live operation in the Department of Printed Books at the National Library of Wales of a major automation system supplied by McDonnell Douglas Information Systems Limited based upon a version of their integrated library package URICA. The paper continues with a summary of the lessons that were learnt in introducing a sophisticated integrated computer system into an organisation where little experience of automated library practice was available.
Enriched title‐based keyword index generation using dBase II
Authors: Rajendran P.P.
Published: February 2008

One of the options open to libraries and other information service organisations in developing countries wishing to move into the age of microcomputer automation is that of utilising general purpose software, especially since many do not have extensive computer facilities.
Report on the Optical Disc Technology Conference organised by the Library Association Information Technology Group, 29 October 1986
Authors: Scott Adie
Published: February 2008

This was a useful and informative introduction to the technology and its applications.
How did we get here from there? Reminiscing on the early days of library automation
Authors: Woods Rollo G.
Published: February 2008

My title is an allusion to that old country joke — If I were going there, I wouldn't start from here. Perhaps it should have been: How did I get here from there? Why should I have been given the honour, and the pleasure, of addressing this distinguished company? It is an honour because we are celebrating the coming‐of‐age of a major professional journal and that is a notable event. It is a pleasure, because this is a gathering of friends; some here will remember that twenty one years ago audiences were not always friendly. I spent many years as the Wild Man from Southampton who wanted everyone to go into automation and claimed that it worked. Suddenly about six years ago I was turned into an elder statesman, over the hill and past his best, but a good type to be sent abroad to try to save our colleagues in the Third World from the mistakes we made twenty years ago, or to address gatherings that are more social than, shall we say, technical. I need hardly add that I preferred my role as the Wild Man, or, as I would put it, a pioneer in the application of modern techniques to library management and information handling.
Five communications software packages reviewed: Communique, Connect, Datatalk, Headline, Information Transfer
Authors: Ramsden Anne
Published: February 2008

Communications software on microcomputers enhances the management of communications and online searching by automating the repetitive tasks of logging on to various database services and improving the efficiency of the connection by minimising the time spent online. Five packages which provide a full spectrum of facilities to be found in the range of communications software on the market are reviewed here. The packages are ACT's Communique, Learned Information's Connect, Datasoft's Datatalk, Head Computers' Headline, and Userlink's Information Transfer. This small sample covers the needs of certain categories of users: the business sector; users of specific services; the library and information community; and finally, the unskilled online searcher, or end user, who requires an intelligent front end to the variety of search command systems on the hosts. The basic and useful software features of all five packages are described, with a checklist for comparison, followed by a detailed description of each package.
OST—a training package for end‐users of online systems
Authors: Armstrong C.J. , Large J.A.
Published: February 2008

The Online Search Tutor (OST) was developed under funding from the British Library Research and Development Department as a self‐contained training package for end‐users of online search services. The software package includes Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) techniques and system simulation (emulation) modules and is based on the QUEST command language of ESA‐IRS. This paper describes the structure of this package and also includes the results of a small‐scale evaluation of its use with a sample of end‐users with no previous experience of online searching. OST runs on an IBM‐PC XT microcomputer.
Implementing CLSI in Warwickshire County Library
Authors: Baker Peter
Published: February 2008

Computer projects in Warwickshire County Library from 1974 led to separate system development for cataloguing, ordering and circulation. Problems with both the reliability and increasing costs of the circulation system led to a major evaluation of integrated library systems. CLSI LIBS100 system based on DEC PDP mini computers was selected and implementation began in November 1985. The paper describes the stages in selecting the CLSI system as well as the problems faced in converting diverse existing computer‐based systems to an integrated system.
Relevance feedback in a public access catalogue for a research library: Muscat at the Scott Polar Research Institute
Authors: Porter Martin , Galpin Valerie
Published: February 2008

This paper reports on the successful introduction of a sophisticated online catalogue system at the library of the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, using the Muscat program package. The system provides to both end‐users and library staff a choice between boolean searching on keywords and access using relevance feedback based on free text in English, mixed with UDC classification numbers. The system is implemented on an IBM 3084 computer. Significant benefits from the application of relevance feedback are reported with 10,000 records on file.
STATUS with IQ — escaping from the boolean straitjacket
Authors: Pape D.L. , Jones R.L.
Published: February 2008

STATUS with IQ is a free text retrieval system which invites the user to enter a query either by specifying search terms which reflect concepts relative to the user's information need or by describing that need in natural language. IQ responds by producing an objectively ranked list of those documents which will be most helpful to the inquirer, there being no requirement that any particular search term be present unless this has been made a precondition. In addition, it provides the user with detailed statistical information showing the extent to which each retrieved document contains the various search terms. These details provide valuable additional guidance regarding the information content of the retrieved documents.
INSTRUCT: a teaching package for experimental methods in information retrieval. Part III. Browsing, clustering and query expansion
Authors: Wade Stephen J. , Willett Peter
Published: February 2008

INSTRUCT is a multi‐user, text retrieval system which was developed as an interactive teaching package for demonstrating modern information retrieval techniques, these including natural language query processing, best match searching and automatic relevance feedback based on probabilistic term weighting. INSTRUCT has recently been extended and now additionally has facilities for query expansion using both relevance and term co‐occurrence data, for cluster‐based searching and for two browsing search strategies. These retrieval mechanisms are used to search a file of 26,280 titles and abstracts from the Library and Information Science Abstracts database; both menu‐based and command‐based searching are allowed.
Development of an automated acquisitions system at the University of Lancaster Library
Authors: Harrison Ken , Summers David
Published: February 2008

As a consequence of both limited funding and a desire to remain independent of any single supplier, the University of Lancaster Library is developing an integrated library package with software based on the Pick operating system. The first stage in the library's automation programme, an acquisitions system, went live in April 1987. This article presents an account of its implementation, and shows how wide participation in its development has resulted in various refinements and in swift acceptance by all levels of staff. A full description of the system is given, showing the day‐to‐day procedures involved and the unlimited enquiry potential provided by the Pick access language. The system is judged a great success, both on its own merits and as the First stage in the library's continuing automation programme.
Selective dissemination of information using a low‐cost relational database at GEC's Engineering Research Centre
Authors: Green Kevin E.
Published: February 2008

A technique for providing a selective dissemination of information service and a printed current awareness bulletin using modestly priced equipment and software was investigated. It is shown that by using a cheap IBM AT clone, a standard relational database package (Paradox) and a word processor package (WordStar), this can be achieved. A useful in‐house database is created at the same time which can be used for retrospective searching of library stock. Techniques of multirelational searching are described, and a method of multi‐database data entry is outlined. Selection criteria for hardware and software are discussed as are other applications of the equipment.
Co‐operative cataloguing on the Pacific Rim
Authors: Royan Bruce
Published: February 2008

The Singapore Integrated Library Automation Service (SILAS) has rapidly established itself in the 30 months since its selection of the WLN Bibliographic Subsystem. This paper discusses why that package was chosen, and the adjustments and enhancements that were necessary to make it the hub of a national bibliographic network in South East Asia in the late 1980s. The staffing and governance needs of such a network are also outlined. The paper concludes with a report on the position of the network at the end of 1987.
Desktop publishing on the Macintosh: six questions answered for librarians
Authors: Stubley Peter
Published: February 2008

This paper discusses the reasons for using desktop publishing in libraries before giving brief background details and an explanation of two software packages that operate on the Apple Macintosh. These approach the subject from different directions; MacAuthor is an advanced wordprocessor with a substantial number of desktop publishing features, whereas Pagemaker is a leading page make‐up package. The use of additional hardware is considered in outline. Some examples of present and potential uses of the technology in libraries are given and the paper concludes with a look at the future before giving a number of warnings to be considered before you make your purchase.
The use of computers in libraries and information centres in Jordan: a survey
Authors: Razeq Younis Abdul
Published: February 2008

Practically speaking, it could be said that it was not until the 1950s that the modern library movement started in Jordan when professionally trained staff did not exceed a handful of librarians since librarianship was a low‐priority career field. Libraries and archives, and information and documentation centres now exist and what has been accomplished must be judged in the perspective of the short life of the library movement in the country, the conditions of Jordan as a developing country with limited resources, and the attitude of the people towards librarianship as a profession.
Bibliographic records in the book world: needs and capabilities. Report of a seminar organised by the BNB Research Fund, 27–28 November 1987
Authors: Batt Chris
Published: February 2008

From time to time the BNB Research Fund arranges seminars to consider topics of significance to all sides of the book world. Attendance is carefully orchestrated to ensure that a wide range of opinion is represented and ample opportunity is provided for discussion. The topic of this seminar — the bibliographic record — is clearly important to everyone in the book world and with the increasing use and public availability of machine‐readable records was a most timely chance to review problems and practices.
LANSLIDE — the development of a system for managing a slide collection at the University of Lancaster Library
Authors: Harrison Ken , Clark Winifred R.
Published: February 2008

The LANSLIDE slide management system developed by the University of Lancaster Library is a multi‐user, stand‐alone system designed for operation on an IBM PC‐AT (or compatible) which is capable of running under the Pick operating system. LANSLIDE provides facilities for slide cataloguing with access to the records by keyword searching. Search facilities are enhanced by boolean AND/OR/NOT combinations and through the option of truncated keywords. Mini‐labels containing captions are produced by the system for fixing to the mounts of 35mm transparencies.
Two for the price of one: how to squeeze a DBMS out of a WP
Authors: Martin Gillian
Published: February 2008

Managers of information units with limited budgets must find little comfort in the endless stream of ‘never had it so good’ articles. Microcomputers are daily becoming more powerful and less expensive, today giving computing power that 10 years ago only me largest institutions with access to mainframes could command. Specialised library software capable of handling all the housekeeping and retrieval requirements can be purchased for mere thousands of pounds. And, with a little ingenuity, general purpose software for a fraction of those prices can be purchased and cobbled together to form a workable system designed to meet specific needs.
Applications of the Psion organiser at Strathclyde University Library
Authors: Nicholson Dennis
Published: February 2008

The Psion organiser is a small hand‐sized computer about the size of a (thick) pocket diary. Despite its size, it is a complete computer by any reasonable definition, with processor, 16–32Kbyte memory, operating system, programming language, resident software, and the ability to communicate with peripherals such as printers and light pens, as well as with other microcomputers. The resident programs are an electronic diary, a personal database system, a calculator, a clock, an alarm facility and a programming facility. The programming facility allows programs to be created, edited, saved, compiled and inserted into the main menu in such a way that they may be run with a single keystroke.
Entity‐Relationship analysis, the operational requirement and a buyer's view of the market for automated library systems
Authors: Griffiths Peter
Published: February 2008

Database design using the technique of Entity‐Relationship (E‐R) modelling has become relatively common since the technique was proposed by Chen in the 1970s. However, there are few reports of the use of the technique in the analysis and design of library databases. Following work done in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Overseas Development Administration (ODA) libraries in an earlier library automation consultancy, E‐R analysis was used to produce diagrammatic representation of library processes from which the requirements of the library were derived and described in an Operational Requirement (OR) issued to the trade. The progress of this work is discussed and some observations are made in the light of suppliers' responses to the OR. The E‐R diagrams derived for the FCO OR are presented together with an explanation of the notation used.
Interfacing CDS/ISIS with WordStar: ICIMOD's experience
Authors: Chaudhry Anwar Ali
Published: February 2008

The mini‐microcomputer version of CDS/ISIS (Computerised Documentation System/Integrated Set Information Systems), developed by the Division of UNESCO Library, Archives and Documentation Services, is a generalised system, designed for the computerised management of non‐numerical databases. The first version was released in 1985. Because of having many good features, bearing credible institution's maintenance and development support, and (most of all) being provided free‐of‐charge, the package is getting wider and faster acceptance with users throughout the world. Many regional and international agencies are investing considerable efforts to promote the system. The software is distributed through regional or national agencies designated for the purpose. Where such an agency is not available, the program can be obtained directly from UNESCO. Before getting the program, the requesting institution has to enter into agreement with UNESCO for the license to use the software.
Counterpoint: systems in a social context — report on the Library Association Information Technology Group's Fourth Annual Conference
Authors: Scott Adie
Published: February 2008

Bob McKee, OCLC Principal Lecturer in the Department of Librarianship and Information Studies at Birmingham Polytechnic, got the conference off to a flying start with a lively paper on ‘Systems astigmatism’. He warned of the dangers of ‘technofervour’ — where the technology itself becomes the predominant consideration rather than its appropriate application. He urged a re‐think of the term to describe library users, ‘user’ suggests someone without expectations, grateful for anything we can provide and ‘client’ suggests dependency, whereas ‘customer’ or ‘consumer’ suggests someone with rights to expect a good and professional service.
A review of some significant developments in microcomputer hardware and software: their implications for selection
Authors: Eyre John
Published: February 2008

The continual changes and developments in microcomputers, the peripherals and associated software, have led to a confusion of choice. It is necessary to understand the implications of the discernible differences when selecting. Changes have been especially significant with the introduction in 1987 of the IBM PS/2 series and the OS/2 operating system. It is now a definite advantage to be conversant with what is happening to processors, memory, enhancements, printers, operating systems, utilities, wordprocessors and desktop publishing. Attention is drawn in this article to examples of these and to their importance to the microcomputer user. A bibliography of about 40 recent articles, covering these developments, in the computing literature is included.
Fangwel: a program to generate complex author bibliographies from a Cardbox‐plus database
Authors: Davies John
Published: February 2008

The Anglo‐Welsh (ANGWEL) database/bibliography project is commissioned and funded by the Welsh Arts Council and the Welsh Academy. It has run from April 1987 in two phases:
Status report on the attitude of automated library system vendors to investing in Nigeria
Authors: Eyitayo Adekunle O.
Published: February 2008

Successful implementation of an automation project depends not only on proper execution by the library or information centre involved, but also on the commitment and on‐going support from the vendor or agent of the automated library system. This factor is often overlooked whenever there are discussions on the low level of application of information technology in developing countries. It is often wrongly assumed that the services and products of the library system vendors are available to library and information centres in this region. To this end, a survey was undertaken of the current status of marketing activities in Nigeria, of library system vendors, their attitude and commitment to the Nigerian market, their prerequisites for marketing in Nigeria, and projections of their marketing activities for the future; so that decisions could be made on the likely directions of library automation investments and developments in Nigeria. The work was carried out in 1988 when the author was a United Nations University Fellow at Trinity College Dublin.
Use of CDS/ISIS for creating India's database of serials
Authors: Shailendra K. , Neogi R.N. , Gogia K.L.
Published: February 2008

The International Centre in Paris of the International Serials Data System (ISDS) maintains the database of world serial publications and functions through a network of national and regional centres in various countries. ISDS is an intergovernmental organization established within the framework of the Unesco‐UNISIST programme. The Indian National Centre for ISDS was set up in January 1986 at the Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (INSDOC), New Delhi, for identification, registration, creation and maintenance of records of serial publications published in India, as well as for monitoring and promoting the use of International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSN). So far, printed Data Transmittal Sheets (DTS) have been used by this centre to send data of serial publications to be incorporated in the ISDS database at the International Centre (IC). Now the Indian centre has developed a computerised system by which the data of serial publications can be transferred directly onto computer designed DTS. The database so created has also been used to produce ISDS‐India Bulletin which describes the collection of records of serials published in India.
A regional seminar on national information policies in the Arab States
Authors: Zahawi Faria
Published: February 2008

The Arab countries recognize that the capability to utilize information and knowledge as a main resource for social and economic development, is the basis of progress and social well‐being. Increasing investments have already been made by the Arab countries in the setting up and development of libraries, documentation centres, informatic and telecommunication systems. Nevertheless, while the cost‐effective provision of the right information to the right user at the right time and place, has become relatively easy thanks to the current advances in the field of information and telecommunication technologies, still the Arab countries urgently need the social and institutional mechanisms to share, diffuse and utilize information from its various sources. This could be achieved only within the framework of an overall, comprehensive and clearly defined national policy on information systems and services which will, in its turn coordinate and support development efforts at the national and regional levels.
CD‐ROM usage and prospects: an overview
Authors: Akeroyd John
Published: February 2008

An overview of CD‐ROM and its development is presented to provide an introduction to this emerging medium. The technology itself is described including WORMs, and software approaches are summarised. Applications, including CD‐ROM as an information and bibliographic resource, are noted. Future developments described involve networking, novel publications and multimedia discs.
CD‐ROM: an overview of US developments
Authors: Melin Nelson Nancy , Desmarais Norman
Published: February 2008

CD‐ROM technology, introduced to librarians in the US four years ago, has taken hold as a support tool for technical processing and public services activities. In the interim, librarians and vendors have worked together to improve services and systems and develop new products in response to user needs. Further developments will depend upon librarian initiatives, vendor efforts to exploit other types of optical technologies to full advantage, and the development of standards that will assure uniform quality and acceptance.
Survey of CD‐ROM users in the UK
Authors: Moore Caroline
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the background to and preliminary results of a survey of CD‐ROM users in the UK. Questions were asked about the type of organisation, equipment, CD‐ROM discs currently being used or evaluated, and management of the CD‐ROM installation. A picture of the current use of CD‐ROM is built from the replies.
Image databases on microcomputers: a low‐cost solution to information storage
Authors: Knak‐Nielson Steffen , Ornager Susanne
Published: February 2008

Interactive video projects where a laser disc is linked to a microcomputer are a new trend in research on information transfer and library development. The high cost of these projects presents a drawback. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how libraries and information centres can increase utilisation of non‐book reference materials by using inexpensive microcomputer equipment for image storage. Collections of pictures, archival materials and maps can be stored by capturing the images on video and transferring the frames to a database on a microcomputer. The description and the image can be viewed together when searching the materials. The research project described here considers the quality of the pictures in the image database, as well as time calculations for image database production. The project aims at proposing a low‐cost solution to image information storage on microcomputers in libraries and information centres.