bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Geac 8000 system at the Polytechnic of the South Bank
Authors: Botten D.
Published: February 2008

The Geac 8000 Library System from Canada, installed at two sites of the Polytechnic, is based on a minicomputer offering 64K Bytes of memory for each site and 96K shared memory. The description of this fully online system using Informer Keyboard/VDUs for cataloguing and for online circulation control using attached lightpens, includes file handling, issue procedures, catalogue interrogation and the keys available for searching — class number, author, title, ISBN, ISSN, barcode, subject headings. Ways of browsing through the files starting with uncertainly spelt authors is also described in relation to the way library readers use the public terminals provided in the library. These offer limited access and do not allow unauthorised alterations to records. Lost badges and books, reservations provision, access to user data, generation of notices to readers are all described in varying detail. Reliability and precautions against failure are outlined. The procedures for restart without data loss after power failure, and the provision of portable barcode to allow continued operation of the loans system, give the necessary back up to cover most eventualities. The system will most likely be extended to include further Geac modules after a suitable period of consolidation.
The use of the ASSASSIN system by Central Electricity Generating Board Technical Information Unit
Authors: Watson J.L. , Williams P.G.
Published: February 2008

Discusses one application of a commercially available computer software package suitable for scientific and technical information storage and retrieval. Source documents, mode of input, indexing technique and thesaurus control are described. The various forms of output which are generated and the services available to users are explained. These services include retrospective searching of the database, and provision of printed indexes and personalised current awareness.
CAIRS — an established retrieval system under constant development
Authors: Cline Graham N. , Marrable Deirdre M.
Published: February 2008

A description of the facilities of the CAIRS software package is presented with examples. Hardware requirements and present applications are discussed and a brief outline of the development and future prospects is given.
An information retrieval package for microcomputers
Authors: Walker Stephen
Published: February 2008

The constraints imposed on system design by microcomputer hardware and system software are discussed. File structure is described and there is a brief account of the overall system configuration. Indexing is by limited file inversion, with a number of choices of indexing mode. Boolean searching is used together with adjacency and character matching facilities. A number of uses of the system are briefly described.
Microcomputer Applications and the Use of Database Management Software
Authors: Burton Paul F.
Published: February 2008

A number of database management programs are available and the application of one of these, Petaid, to library routines and for information retrieval is described. Applications include MARINDEX (a periodicals database), orders, union catalogues and some aspects of serials control, all operating on a Commodore Pet 3032 microcomputer. Examples of record formats are given and some of the operating problems are discussed (most of which are relatively minor). Current applications endeavour to make as much use as possible of one basic record.
Critical path analysis: A library management tool
Authors: Brophy Peter
Published: February 2008

The technique of Critical Path Analysis (CPA) and its applications are described. A simple example is used to illustrate the method. The use of CPA in the implementation of an automated lending system at Teesside Polytechnic Library is described.
Storage and retrieval of bibliographic records: a comparison of database management system (DBMS) and free text approaches
Authors: Ashford John H.
Published: February 2008

System designers concerned with bibliographic storage and retrieval systems have, in the past, followed one of three approaches — simple data structures, with the handling of the inherent complexity of bibliographic data embedded in the programs; free text (inverse file) systems of which the ‘online database’ systems may be seen as a specialised extension; and structured database (DBMS) methods, of which some MARC systems are a special subset. The form of storage of the bibliographic data affects not only the efficiency of retrieval by various fields of the record, but also the space used in storage, the cost of maintenance and addition of new material, and especially, the nature of the retrieval language and the flexibility of response to users' needs. The choice of design approach involves study of each proposed application, and guidelines are offered for consideration in matching functional requirements with the varying strengths and weaknesses of the software techniques. Hybrid database structures offering both free text and DBMS features are becoming acceptable, at least for small systems, and the likely paths for future development are noted.
An online microcomputer‐based circulation system at the University of Aston Library
Authors: Wood Lawrence R.
Published: February 2008

The background and reasons are given for the decision by the University of Aston Library to develop a microcomputer based circulation system. The development of the system is traced and an account of the system design and operation provided. It is a stand‐alone fully online circulation system using standard microcomputer equipment and providing a high degree of data security and equipment backup.
Library software for microcomputers
Authors: Burton Paul F. , Gates Hilary
Published: February 2008

There are now a number of microcomputer packages intended for almost every library routine and application, although in some cases the choice is limited. The principal features of many of these packages are discussed and related to the requirements of the routines for which they are intended. These include information retrieval, online searching, catalogues, acquisitions, serials control and circulation control.
Microcomputers in Australian libraries and information services
Authors: Howard Petrie J.
Published: February 2008

Information is presented on the uses of microcomputers in libraries in Australia. Word processing is the most popular use according to the respondents to a request for information put out by the author. The dBase II database management system is predictably popular, but information retrieval systems are also in use. Library housekeeping packages developed both in Australia and overseas are available. Microcomputers are connected to mainframes for library and information retrieval applications and there is activity in school libraries. The Australian Microcomputer Industry Clearing House (AMIC) is described.
Development of the automation of interlending by microcomputer (AIM) system at Leicester Polytechnic
Authors: Adams Roy
Published: February 2008

The design and development of an interlibrary loan administration system, using a standard data management software package to run on stand‐alone micro‐computers is described. A systems analysis of some interlending departments was carried out and a questionnaire survey sent to a sample of British Library Lending Division (BLLD) users. From this a system specification was created and a number of software packages tested against this and other criteria. The selected package was tested against an experimental database, and a demonstration system set up. The Administration of Interlending (AIM) system will administer the borrowing of items from BLLD and other locations, and the loan of items to other libraries. A manual has been developed to enable the system to be used on a variety of microcomputers.
The use of a microcomputer for book circulation in Nigerian university libraries
Authors: Alabi G.A.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes an experimental automated circulation system for Nigerian university libraries but would be applicable to academic libraries with similar characteristics in any developing country.
Public Information in Rural Areas: Technology Experiment (PIRATE)
Authors: Creber John
Published: February 2008

For rural areas the trends towards centralisation of public offices and reductions in transport and other services, mean that gaining access to public information has become more difficult at a time when we increasingly need information to survive in our complex society. In the last few years many specialist information‐giving organisations have made use of the new technology, yet few advances have been made in developing the equipment and the software for use in rural areas. This two‐phase project, run by Devon Library Services, aims to improve the levels of access to information in rural areas through the use of microcomputers.
The online community resource files at the Pikes Peak Library District
Authors: Dowlin Kenneth E. , Conroy Barbara
Published: February 2008

The Pikes Peak Library District has served as a model for public libraries desiring to implement automated systems over the past ten years. This article discusses the creation and operation of the online community resource files system. The changes that have occurred since the initiation of the programme and the reasons for those changes are presented. The relationship of the programme for community information to the overall purpose of the library is explained. This article provides a starting point for libraries considering the automation of files of local information resources.
Bedfordshire County Library microcomputer project
Authors: Ebrahim Heidi
Published: February 2008

With a grant from the Department of Industry, Bedfordshire County Library has made microcomputers available for public use in ten of their larger libraries. Practical information about the planning, implementation and organisation of the project is given and some of the problems encountered are discussed.
Report on the 1984 Information Technology and Electronic Publishing Exhibition
Authors: Arthur Adrian
Published: February 2008

The 1984 Information Technology and Electronic Publishing Exhibition took place from 4–6 December, side by side with the 8th International Online Information Meeting at Novotel (formerly the Cunard Hotel) in London. Both events have been organised on an annual basis since 1977 by Learned Information (Europe) Ltd. The Exhibition, with over 2,000 attendees every year, has become an annual opportunity for online users, researchers, educators and suppliers to keep up to date with news of developments in the online industry as markets and products develop rapidly with advancing technology.
UNIX software tools and library automation
Authors: Sarrafan A.M. , Cooley R.E.
Published: February 2008

Software tools are programs which perform simple functions and have simple interfaces. They can be easily put together to make complete systems; and their use for library automation represents a middle path between ‘off the shelf’ packaged software and software which is entirely coded in a programming language. After discussing software tools in connection with the UNIX operating system, this paper describes an experimental system for periodicals control. An analysis of the software is presented which indicates the benefits that stem from using software tools, and some figures on machine timing are given.
Producing an index to legal periodicals in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office library using Cardbox
Authors: Callow Martin
Published: February 2008

This article provides an account of setting up an index to legal periodicals in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office library using a microcomputer with hard disk storage and Cardbox‐Plus software. The use of the system is described, including the method of searching the database and of producing monthly lists of new articles on international law.
Administration of a reserve collection at Paisley College using dBase II
Authors: Millar Philomena , Cochrane Janette
Published: February 2008

The use of a database management system, dBase II, in the computerisation of the reserve book file at Paisley College is described. Reasons are given for the choice of this particular task for automation. The various stages in the development of the database are discussed in detail including database creation, indexing, printing and maintenance, with attention being drawn to the use of many of the basic dBase II commands. Basic use of dBase II has improved the efficiency of the collection and more complex applications are under consideration.
Program: notes for contributors
Authors: Tedd L. , Woods R.G. , Young R.C.
Published: February 2008

In a dummy article, which itself forms a model, the types of contribution welcomed for Program (full‐length articles, short communications, news items, letters to the Editor) are characterised. Desirable features of the format of contributed scripts are listed, and the various stages in the publication of a paper are described. 6 [sample] references.
ADLIB—its use by the Greater London Council Research Library
Authors: Ford Susan , Mark Robert
Published: February 2008

The ADLIB (Adaptive Library Management System) package was installed by the GLC Research Library in 1982. It is used for ordering and cataloguing stock as well as for controlling its circulation. ADLIB is also used at the GLC for producing a daily current awareness bulletin and a weekly technical information bulletin. This paper describes the development and current applications of ADLIB at the GLC and its interface with other packages used by the GLC, such as ASSASSIN and STAIRS.
Users and ease of use: online catalogues' raison d'etre
Authors: Nadia Mitev Nathalie
Published: February 2008

OPAC users are first described according to their habits and needs. The usual distinction between ‘naive’ and ‘sophisticated’ users is criticised. The existing OPAC designs are summarised in terms of their information retrieval facilities as well as their dialogue modes. The concept of ease of use is then examined in more detail and several levels are introduced: usability, ease of interaction, communicational ease and ease of searching. Some connections are made between ease of use and existing OPACs. Areas for future research work are suggested.
Use of BRS/Search in OPAC experiments
Authors: Prowse Steven G.
Published: February 2008

A project was devised to develop a number of user interfaces to an experimental online public access catalogue which could then be evaluated in a series of user tests. BRS/Search commercial software, mounted on a large 16‐bit microcomputer, was used to create the interfaces; this saved time and effort in producing the software. The database was small, consisting of only a few thousand records obtained from the education section of a real library catalogue. Particular attention was paid to the average person's understanding of Boolean logic and terms when searching an online catalogue. It is hoped to investigate the design and format of browse screens in online catalogues. The software and hardware used in this project are described at some length. The problems and advantages of using commercial software for this research are discussed.
Using an information retrieval package, CAIRS, as an OPAC in a small, university medical library
Authors: Whitsed Nicky
Published: February 2008

Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School Library serves the needs of teaching staff, students, researchers and other medical workers in this University of London Medical School. In 1984 it was decided that an OPAC system with sophisticated information retrieval facilities be acquired; CAIRS was chosen. The paper describes the reasons for choosing CAIRS and the tasks involved in designing the record structures, screen layouts and so on, as well as the ways of searching the catalogue using CAIRS.
Library automation at UMIST, using ADLIB
Authors: Clear Fiona
Published: February 2008

UMIST Library's implementation of the ADLIB (Adaptive Library Management) system began in 1984 and is currently used for acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation control and periodicals holdings. A retrospective conversion programme is underway. Catalogue output is currently on microfiche but it will move to an OPAC (online public access catalogue) in the near future. This article describes UMIST's application of the system and assesses its advantages and disadvantages.
GRS (General Retrieval System): a retrieval system for use in the humanities
Authors: McWhirr Alan
Published: February 2008

Research in the arts/humanities frequently requires the use of an information retrieval system which can handle varying lengths of text, and which can also be used for large bibliographies. This paper describes a text‐retrieval and processing system developed in‐house at Leicester Polytechnic, entitled General Retrieval System (GRS). The paper is written from the point of view of a humanities lecturer, and emphasises the relevance of the package for non‐specialists. The various modules of the package are described, together with the author's experience of using it to produce a corpus of Roman stamped tiles. Other applications, including use by the library, are mentioned.
CONCORD: the development of a free‐text retrieval system for microcomputers and its use in legal education
Authors: Slade Michael , Smith William
Published: February 2008

The paper describes the development of CONCORD, a free‐text retrieval package enabling the creation of databases designed and implemented in an educational environment. It traces its origins in user studies involving major online systems, and in the choices made when a program for IBM and similar microcomputers is designed for students, teachers and librarians for whom mainframe packages are too complex or costly. Each choice is reviewed and a technical section is added to demonstrate some of the opportunities and pitfalls of further development in this area. Finally, a brief account is given of one implementation at a law school.
Implementing ASSASSIN on the ICL ME29 at the British Institute of Management
Authors: Withey Richard
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the methods used at the British Institute of Management (BIM) to computerise the records of the Management Information Centre using ASSASSIN, and the problems of implementing version 005 on an ICL ME29 machine are discussed. Choice and limitations of hardware and software configurations are described, together with examples of stored data illustrating some of the control options on ASSASSIN, particularly the use of thesaurus features that have been implemented. The problems that can arise when using converted software are outlined, and lessons learnt during implementation are identified.
Automation at the University of Western Ontario Libraries: a review
Authors: Bhimani Nazlin
Published: February 2008

Many libraries in the Western world are automating their library functions due to the rising cost of labour and the processing time advantages which can result from automation. The University of Western Ontario (UWO) in London, Canada provides one such example. This paper examines the impact of technological changes in the University of Western Ontario Library System.
Library automation in British universities
Authors: Woods Rollo G.
Published: February 2008

This paper is adapted from a report to the University Grants Committee's Equipment Sub‐Committee and summarises the responses to a letter of enquiry sent by this Sub‐Committee to all British university libraries in 1984. The history, current position, and future plans with respect to automation in UK university libraries are described. Particular sections of the paper cover acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation control, serials as well as staffing, networking, and more general aspects.
Experience with facsimile transmission in Birmingham libraries
Authors: Stubley Peter
Published: February 2008

In April 1984 the British Library Research and Development Department (BLR&DD) funded a twelve‐month project to investigate the use of facsimile transmission in libraries. Of the thirteen libraries selected, four comprised the BCOP (Birmingham Libraries in Co‐operation) libraries of Aston University, Birmingham Public Libraries, City of Birmingham Public Libraries, City of Birmingham Polytechnic, and the University of Birmingham. These were chosen to gain experience of fax operation in a local co‐operative. The first months of the project were spent establishing and publicising fax and in staff training, and while take‐up was encouraging it was felt that a year was insufficient to test the service fully. Thus, with agreement from the British Library, the project was extended for a second twelve months. This report covers the experience of BCOP libraries during the second stage of the project, i.e. from May 1985‐end of March 1986. A full report of the complete project is presently in preparation for publication by the British Library, and details of the first year's operation at Aberdeen City Libraries have already been published.
Planning and producing an interactive video package
Authors: Hammond Nancy
Published: February 2008

The planning and production phases of the project Interactive Video on Microcomputers in Libraries were funded jointly by the British Library Research & Development Department, Brighton Polytechnic Department of Librarianship, and the Polytechnic of Central London Library Services. The duration of this phase of the project was 1 September 1985 to 31 August 1986. The research, analysis and planning stages were completed between September and December 1985. During the eight months from January to August 1986 production was completed and limited evaluation attempted.
The online public access catalogue in DOBIS/LIBIS
Authors: McAllister Caryl
Published: February 2008

The DOBIS/LIBIS OPAC has been in active use at a number of installations for several years. Before describing the OPAC, this paper briefly describes the development and design of DOBIS/LIBIS as a whole. After sketches of several libraries using the OPAC, its menu‐guided and full‐screen search capabilities are described. Other OPAC facilities, such as the self‐service display of a borrower record, the sending of electronic mail to the library staff, and the multilingual capability of the system, are also covered.
Serials Management System (SMS): a short description of a Dawson Group product
Authors: Cowley John
Published: February 2008

The Dawson Group, with its large and varied customer base and over 500,000 periodical subscriptions, entered the automation sector in 1972 with a Singer System, which allowed a large number of simultaneous operations to be carried out on one database through multiple visual display units (VDUs). The system brought greater efficiency to in‐house subscription control with accruing benefits for libraries. By the 1980s a replacement system was needed to increase efficiency and meet the expansion of business. In 1981 an IBM System 38 was installed. The system performs well and currently supports over sixty VDUs and eight printers in three different locations — London, FolkeStone and Godalming. The success of the in‐house system led to the offering of a customer online service, linked to the main computer centre in FolkeStone, and offered on a ‘pay‐as‐you‐go’ basis.
Text storage and retrieval in the ORACLE relational database management system: design study and intended applications
Authors: Ashford John H
Published: February 2008

A requirement has been recognised for some time for database software which provides both formatted data and free text management facilities. Applications in storage and retrieval of accounting data of market research presentations, and of catalogues of books, maps, drawings, and engineering components are identified. A joint development project between British Telecom New Information Services and Oracle Corporation UK Ltd will add text features to the established ORACLE relational database, and the scope of this system and the design approaches chosen are described.
Cataloguing to UK MARC records for the uninitiated using dBase III
Authors: Findlay Alan , Motherwell Sam
Published: February 2008

Entry of data in the format of MARC records is a difficult procedure involving the use of codes which have to be memorised or located from manuals. We suggest that a program can be written in dBase III which prompts the cataloguer with a series of fairly simple questions about the book, and places data in appropriate fields in a dBase record. The resulting set of records can be converted very simply into UK MARC records and added to other records produced by more conventional means.
Using the MULTIPLAN spreadsheet package to model online search costs
Authors: Smith N.R.
Published: February 2008

An existing model for calculating online search costs has been converted to electronic form using the spreadsheet package MULTIPLAN. The electronic version of the model proves to be an extremely fast and powerful tool for updating search‐costs matrices for a large number of databases on different host systems. The model itself may be useful for investigating the microeconomics of online information retrieval.
MARKUP: an expert assistant for marking up bibliographic data
Authors: Prangnell R.D.
Published: February 2008

Among the routine tasks carried out in a special library such as the one at Building Research Station (BRS), there are a number which depend on the application of special or expert knowledge by the professional staff, using heuristic judgements which, at first sight, appear difficult to codify as precise rules. An attempt has been made to incorporate the expertise required for one of these tasks into a program functioning as a simple type of ‘expert assistant’ which might be the basis of an expert system.
Multi‐value fields and dBase III
Authors: Vaughan Shelia
Published: February 2008

Many of us are aware of the yawns of waiting for dBase to look sequentially through a 10,000‐record database for a term or terms hidden in a title or descriptor field. I have tried to persuade dBase III to perform a little more smartly with some degree of success. Users will know that dBase retrieves almost instantaneously from indexed fields but it is not logical to index long, ‘multi‐value’ fields like titles or abstracts. What we have done, however, is to extract keywords from these fields or other descriptive parts of the document and build up a parallel keyword file consisting of two fields — keyword and accession number, which provide a link field with the main database. Thus, each entry in the main database may have a number (in our case up to 7) of corresponding entries in the keyword file, which is itself indexed for fast retrieval.
Program, the first 21 years: a personal history
Authors: Kimber Richard T.
Published: February 2008

We have met to celebrate — and rightly so — the completion of twenty‐one years of the publication of a great journal: twenty‐one years of hard work for more than one of us here tonight — the first Program author will speak to us shortly. Program represents a significant and abiding contribution to the literature of librarianship and occupies, according to my measurement, two feet of library shelf space.
First experiences with BOOKSHELF at Fife Health Board
Authors: Powne Clare
Published: February 2008

The benefits of microcomputer‐based catalogue automation in the development of a small multi‐site health authority library service are discussed. Implementation of the catalogue and enquiry module of the BOOKSHELF integrated library management package is described. Problems arising from the differing bibliographic record requirements of a special library and university medical library are highlighted, and some potential enhancements to the software suggested.
A market study of library automation systems in the UK
Authors: Blunden‐Ellis John
Published: February 2008

This paper undertakes a brief marketing analysis of the major library automation products and suppliers in the UK, focusing on aspects such as market growth, market share, market concentration, and competitor positions in terms of segmentation analysis. General conclusions relating to the marketplace are provided together with implications for current and potential customers.
Improving subject access painlessly: recent work on the Okapi online catalogue projects
Authors: Walker Stephen
Published: February 2008

Online catalogue research at PCL (the Polytechnic of Central London) has now been going on, mainly with British Library funding, for nearly five years. This article gives a brief survey of some of the more recent work. A detailed account of three techniques (automatic stemming (both weak and strong) of search terms, automatic cross referencing and automatic spelling corrections) that were implemented in the Okapi '86 system for improving subject retrieval effectiveness, is given. The results of evaluating Okapi '86 at PCL are also given. An appendix gives details of the search and merge algorithm used in Okapi '86.
Searching LISA on the SilverPlatter CD‐ROM system
Authors: Moore N.L.
Published: February 2008

Library & Information Science Abstracts (LISA) became available on CD‐ROM in May 1987. Officially, the database consists of a complete file of LISA, from its launch in January 1969 to December 1986 but a further 3 months' data have been added to compensate for production delays and consequently the file is current to March 1987. The CD‐ROM contains over 82,000 references to the literature of librarianship, information science and related subjects and roughly corresponds to the DIALOG and ORBIT files although the latter are more current. It is planned to update the file annually, but changes in production economics might allow a more frequent service in future. The following does not pretend to be an exhaustive account of the general features of the SilverPlatter system since this is given an excellent treatment in their own manual: Getting Started.
CD‐ROMs at ALA: a review of product developments from the American Library Association midsummer exhibition
Authors: StephenS ANDY
Published: February 2008

CD‐ROM (Compact Disc‐Read Only Memory) products have arrived for library and information professionals in North America! If more proof were needed than the proliferation of journal articles on the topic, the journals dedicated to this medium alone, and the publication of a guide to CD‐ROMs ‘in print’, the midsummer exhibition of the American Library Association (ALA), in San Francisco (June 1987) provided it in abundance.
Memories of the future: new library technologies in information transfer, processing and storage — the Library Association Information Technology Group's Third Annual Conference, 12–14 June 1987
Authors: Scott Adie
Published: February 2008

Any attempt to describe this conference cannot hope to do justice to the scope and content of the papers, some of which are being reproduced in Its News. The conference was opened by William Masterton from Middlesex Polytechnic who raised the debatable issue of the role of the librarian as educator. He felt we should provide ‘value‐added information’ and should not play a passive role.
ETHICS: an online public access catalogue at ETH‐Bibliothek, Zurich
Authors: Hug Hannes , NÖThiger Rudolf
Published: February 2008

For the past two years the ETH‐Bibliothek in Zurich, Switzerland has provided an online catalogue which possesses considerable user comfort. Access to the approximately 500,000 title entries that have so far been made is by means of title words or by UDC subject terms/UDC notations. The system is multilingual, both in the user interface (including ‘help’ screens) and in the UDC subject terms. Access to the catalogue is completely free. No kind of password or authorisation is required. The system can be searched from the most varied types of terminal. In addition it is possible to order books via the terminal, but there is a charge for this service. The ETHICS online catalogue has been so enthusiastically accepted by users, and with so few problems, that the ETH‐Bibliothek has decided, considering the security of the system, to give up the production of printed catalogues.
‘Fisching fore werds’: phonetic retrieval of written text in information systems
Authors: Gadd T.N.
Published: February 2008

The article discusses phonetic retrieval of written names or words in computer systems. It deals briefly with the two established coding techniques of Davidson and Soundex, and an improved method called Phonix. Phonetic coding is performed on full words, with the ending sounds of words having special significance during the search process which results in likely, less likely, least likely categories of matches. Phonix has been tested, within the URICA library package, on bibliographic databases where it has been used as a secondary method of retrieval after failure of an initial search.
Harwell Library's SPARC: (Serials, Periodicals and Accounts Records on Computer)
Authors: Haynes E.M.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the development and implementation of Harwell Library's accounting and periodicals housekeeping functions on a microcomputer. The accounting programs were constructed specifically for Harwell Library, but the software for journals was developed as the periodicals module of a suite of library management programs called BookshelF which is commercially available.
Integrated automated systems for cataloguing, circulation and acquisitions on microcomputers: an overview of functions and products on the UK market
Authors: Manson Pat
Published: February 2008

This paper looks at what is meant by integrated automated systems in libraries and provides an overview of the UK market for microcomputer‐based products in this area. Some 17 products have been identified with a further four being marketed specifically to schools. The hardware environment necessary for these systems is described along with details of the functionality provided by the various cataloguing, online enquiry, acquisitions and circulation systems.
Design and development of an online bibliographic information storage and retrieval system under WDOS — an Indian multi‐tasking/multi‐programming operating system
Authors: Chattopadhyay Amit Kumar
Published: February 2008

The design and development of a computer‐based information system requires an understanding of the operating system of the computer. This knowledge helps in efficient file design for optimal utilisation of disk space which results in increased system efficiency. This paper describes an Indian multi‐tasking/multi‐programming operating system called WDOS, especially its data‐structure and how an online, multi‐user bibliographic information storage and retrieval system has been developed under it utilising the knowledge of its operating system. A set of functional specifications drawn in consultation with users has guided the system development work. The system has been validated and successfully implemented. It has been found to be efficient in terms of response time and this may be attributed to its file design.
A UK market study of large library automation systems vendors 1987
Authors: Blunden‐Ellis John
Published: February 2008

This communication updates the original article on the UK library automation marketplace, and complements similar marketplace surveys in the US.
The use of the Unesco Common Communication Format in Yugoslavia
Authors: Willer Mirna , PanteliĆ SneŽAna
Published: February 2008

The article describes problems in the implementation of the CCF (Common Communication Format), namely the use of content designators and record structure, taking into account the actual application of the format in Yugoslavia. Particular content designators are viewed from the aspect of different cataloguing rules, while the possibilities of structuring records are described and exemplified. Format conversion is described on the basis of the authors' experience of converting from the UNIMARC format to the CCF. The definition of new fields/subfields in the CCF is analysed. The efficient use of the CCF in a particular information community depends on the aim and purpose of the use of exchanged records.
Applications of microcomputers in the European Community
Authors: Lupovici Christian
Published: February 2008

Susan Martin identified in 1986 three factors responsible for a dramatic change in automated networking environment; the first of which was the use of microcomputers, which enable libraries to accomplish locally, what once could be achieved only by joining with others. Microcomputers are used either in a stand‐alone mode or in connection with mainframes. There are no longer microcomputers for small libraries and mainframes (or minis) for large libraries; both use microcomputers. But we can wonder if there is not an automation configuration for poor libraries with stand‐alone functions on microcomputers, and another for wealthy libraries integrating functions in a total information system.
Dynix at Kensington and Chelsea Libraries
Authors: Anley Cath , MÜllner Karl
Published: February 2008

The Dynix Automated Library System was purchased by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Libraries and Arts Service in 1987 to replace its existing Plessey circulation system. This paper briefly describes the implementation and the aspects of Dynix which made it particularly attractive to Kensington, as well as reviewing the project one year after circulation went live at the first branch. The system is now in use at all service points in the Borough, that is six fixed sites and one mobile library.
MEDUSA: the use of MINISIS in Building Design Partnership
Authors: Wilkinson Julia
Published: February 2008

Building Design Partnership (BDP) the UK's largest multi‐discipline design practice, has been using the text‐retrieval package MINISIS since mid‐1987 to improve the retrieval of technical information inhouse. This has been part of a programme of improvement of BDP's information services. Following a review of BDP's information services by an external consultant in 1986, the post of Information Manager was created in early 1987. At that time there were libraries in five of the eight UK offices of BDP; but only two of those libraries had card indexes to their stock. The libraries lacked sufficient skilled staff. As BDP expanded so did the library stock and the lack of adequate indexes became problematic.
A recursive algorithm for generating SLIC index entries
Authors: Hancox Peter
Published: February 2008

Combination indexing is a method of ordering a set of terms or keywords on the syntagmatic axis rather than the paradigmatic axis. All terms applied to the document by the indexer are listed in all possible combinations to produce the index entries, and therefore the user should be able to search the index with no more knowledge of its structure beyond alphabetization. The disadvantage of combination indexing is the large number of entries produced. For n keywords, n! entries are produced. With a very few terms in each string this is not a serious problem, but when several terms are included in a string the number of entries soon reaches excessive proportions. Five terms would produce one hundred and twenty entries; seven terms, five thousand and forty entries.
Developments in a CD‐ROM jukebox for the ADONIS system
Authors: Barden Philip
Published: February 2008

A brief introduction is given to the ADONIS system. An account is given of the way in which British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC) has utilised CD‐ROM jukebox technology to optimise its use of the ADONIS system. A brief description of BLDSC's future plans for using jukebox technology is given.
Financing CD‐ROM: the experience of a university medical library
Authors: Collins Anne M.K.
Published: February 2008

Databases on compact disc are immensely attractive, as once the system is in place the cost of searches is minimal; there are no telecommunication charges, no connect time charges and no royalty costs. This change in costing has been a major factor in the move towards end user searching. However the CD‐ROM database and its updates may be costly. In this paper the experiences of a university medical library in setting up a CD‐ROM users club with an annual membership fee are described.
Database creation and management at Glasgow College
Authors: Crawford John C. , Powles John A. , GilMartin Jacqueline
Published: February 2008

This paper provides an overview of automation at Glasgow College Library since the 1970s when a subject index was prepared using punched cards. The Dynix library system was purchased in 1988. Details are given of how retrospective cataloguing was carried out using OCLC's RETROCON service and how OCLC MARC records are downloaded into the catalogue database in the Dynix system. An example is included of a search using the OPAC subject index.
The development of IWS — an integrated workstation for librarians
Authors: Black Kisten
Published: February 2008

This paper describes a research project to develop a personal workstation for use by information professionals and researchers. The aim of the project was to provide a complete environment for access to external information sources using commercially available software and hardware. An account is given of the development of each component of the workstation (such as choosing the modem, choosing the software for telecommunications, the inclusion of a CD‐ROM drive, office automation software and an automatic text editor), and the problems encountered.
A UK market study of large library automation system vendors (to January 1989)
Authors: Blunden‐Ellis John
Published: February 2008

This paper updates a previous paper on the large systems marketplace in the UK, and aims to complement, as far as possible, an equivalent regular survey undertaken in the United States.
Application of CD‐ROM technology to libraries in developing countries
Authors: Wright Stephen
Published: February 2008

This paper examines the particular problems faced by developing countries in providing information services. The use of CD‐ROM is considered for online searching, provision of databases relevant to the Third World, as a source of bibliographic records, and to establish public access catalogues. Future developments of the technology are examined. Particular reference is made to Papua New Guinea.
Library applications of desktop publishing in practice: a tool and a resource
Authors: Edkins Jennifer
Published: February 2008

The practical use made of an Apple Macintosh desktop publishing system in a scientific research library is described. Examples are given to illustrate the range of uses, which include forms and stationery design, labelling and guiding, display and exhibition work, and publications such as newsletters and accessions lists. The use of templates is described. It is argued that in addition to such uses of desktop publishing as a tool, libraries are also well‐placed to offer desktop publishing as a resource to their readers.
SUTTON LINK: Sutton Libraries' new approach to community information using online public access terminals
Authors: Wilkinson Sally
Published: February 2008

SUTTON LINK is an integral part of the community information service provided by public libraries in the London Borough of Sutton. It is a database of community, local and leisure information available on public access terminals in the libraries themselves, as well as in an ever‐increasing number of local advice agencies. This paper describes the evolution, design and features of the service, what it contains and facilities for searching the database, which is run using Geac's Community Information System Module.
Providing online access to different views of the library catalogue: further developments of BLCMP's OPAC
Authors: Wellings Richard
Published: February 2008

The second major revision of the OPAC module of BLS (the BLCMP stand‐alone library system) allows libraries to offer users different views of the catalogue files. Record selection software allows sub‐set catalogues to be constructed according to library defined criteria, such as subject, physical format, location or language of publication. These views of the catalogue can then be offered to users of OPAC, where the record retrieval and display facilities have been enhanced to allow each view to be optimised according to its contents; for instance individual libraries can now define various algorithms for the generation of suitable acronym keys for particular sub‐set catalogues.
Promotional screenshows for CD‐ROM workstations
Authors: Lewis Martin J.
Published: February 2008

Promotion and marketing of services is not an area in which academic library managers can claim to have been particularly innovative or even competent until recently. Things are improving, and the quality of both library publications and of the graphic environment within libraries is generally better than it was 10 or 15 years ago.
PHONIX: The algorithm
Authors: Gadd T.N.
Published: February 2008

PHONIX is a phonetic retrieval technique developed for use with the URICA library system. It has been successfully installed at a number of URICA sites in Southern Africa. PHONIX has been found to be particularly useful when applied to personal names, specifically author surnames in the context of a library system. Certain names such as Anton Chekov have been variously transliterated as TSJECHOF, TSJECHOW, TJEKHOW, CHEKHOV, CHEKHOW etc., in the multi‐lingual environment of libraries in Southern Africa. PHONIX complements the more conventional information retrieval techniques used by URICA, and the algorithm used is explained as a simple, easy to apply, set of rules. This contribution follows on from a previous paper.
Adapting CDS/ISIS to index hyphenated and numeric words and incorporating case sensitive storage and retrieval
Authors: Chaudhry Anwar Ali
Published: February 2008

The mini‐micro version of CDS/ISIS (Computerised Documentation System/ Integrated Set of Information Systems) is a generalised system developed by UNESCO for non‐numerical databases. The first version was released in 1985. The latest version, released in 1989, is version 2.3. It has many improvements over version 1; the most prominent ones being speedier file inversion (creation of indexes), a new facility of free‐text searching, a more versatile formatting language, and the PASCAL language module for programming.
Spoilt for choice? Optical discs and online databases in the next decade
Authors: Lyon Elizabeth
Published: February 2008

This paper presents a brief review of potential developments in optical discs and online databases in the 1990s, and describes advances in technology that may affect our use of these media, changes in the market that will emerge in the next decade, associated problems that could arise as a result of these developments and finally, some pointers to future trends are illustrated by selected recently‐announced projects and services.
Indian Science Citation Index: a strategy
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Lal Banwari
Published: February 2008

India has a prominent place in scientific activity among the third world countries. This is evident from its high production of publications in different branches of science and technology as well as from its accelerated growth of research and development work within the country. Almost all the papers, notes, reviews, corrections and correspondence published in scientific journals contain citations. These cite generally by title, author and where and when published, documents that support, provide precedent for illustration orelaborate on what the author has to say. Citations are the formal, explicit linkages between papers that have particular points in common. A citation index is built around these linkages. It lists publications that have been cited and identifies the sources of the citation. Anyone conducting a literature search can find from one to dozens of additional papers on a subject, just by knowing one that has been cited. This communication outlines the development of a citation index in India.