bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Machine‐Readable Catalogues of the UIA Library Antwerp: an Experiment with an Interim MARC‐Compatible Cataloguing System
Authors: Vervliet H.D.L.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the installation and the first year's operation of a commercial computer‐based cataloguing system and the extent to which this system has been adapted to the specific needs of a new university (the Universitaire Instelling Antwerpen). The catalogue is regarded principally as a finding tool. Cataloguing is done locally according to minimal rules which are, however, MARC‐compatible; input effort is minimised by the use of automatic field recognition and automatic error detection. The data is batch processed by a computer bureau in England. The catalogue is output on COM microfiche in three sequences: 1. author; 2. title; 3. ‘KWUC’ (Keyword and UDC)‐a KWOC‐type format within broad UDC classes and originated from manually tagged title‐derived keywords. The system has been well received by users. Plans for further automation of the UIA Library are outlined.
Minis in Circulation Control: some parameters and examples
Authors: Aslin C.J.
Published: February 2008

Outlines some of the parameters one should consider when thinking about using minicomputers in circulation systems, lists some examples where they have been used or are to be used, and finally describes the University of East Anglia system in a little more detail.
Automation at the New University of Ulster
Authors: Wintour B.J.C. , McDowell B.
Published: February 2008

One of the first university libraries to employ the Plessey ‘library pen’ system, a recent convert to MARC, and a prolific user of tape typewriters for the production of machine‐readable bibliographic records, the Library of the New University of Ulster has become deeply committed to automation. This paper describes the nature and development of this commitment and outlines the methods that were employed to automate ‘housekeeping’ routines between 1972 and 1975.
The development of multi‐media teaching aids for users of computer‐based information retrieval systems
Authors: Pratt Gordan , Vickery Alina
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the use of a modified cassette recorder to present information and instruction to intermediaries and users of on‐line information retrieval systems using three media. The cassette recorder co‐ordinates (1) computer signals recorded from and displayed upon a visual display unit, (2) audio‐signals, that is voice commentary, relayed through a loud speaker, and (3) thirty‐five millimetre slides displayed on an overhead screen. The system was designed and developed for use in the Central Information Services, London University.
The origins, development and future of Euronet
Authors: Dunning A.J.
Published: February 2008

Traces the background to setting up EURONET following a resolution passed by the Council of Ministers of the European Communities on the coordination of Scientific and Technical Information (STID) activities. The committee for this (CIDST) was set up to implement the resolution. A three‐year action plan was developed by CIDST and approved in 1975. A significant outcome of this has been the signing of two contracts one between the Commission and a consortium of the nine member PTTs, and one between that consortium and consultants based on Sesa Logica, for the implementation of EURONET. The network will have four packet‐switching exchanges (PSE) at Frankfurt, Paris, London and Rome and five concentrators or remote access facilities (RAF) at Brussels, Copenhagen, The Hague, Dublin and Luxembourg. The X 25 packet‐switching protocol will be used and host computers will be able to communicate at between 2.4Kbps and 9.6Kbps. A total of 96 data bases are to be connected to the network. Costs of setting up EURONET are expected to reach some FF24. 1m. Charges to users will be based on connect time and volume of data transferred. Other aspects discussed or listed are legal matters, user training and problems of multi‐lingual systems. The article ends with a summary of the second action plan covering 1978/80.
MARCIS—an Israeli MARC‐based cataloguing system
Authors: Israeli R. , Ofer K.D. , Bloch U.
Published: February 2008

MARCIS is a cooperative cataloguing system using the MARC tapes. Its primary goals are to create a machine‐readable file of each library's holding, to output catalogues in various forms as needed by the libraries and to maintain a union catalogue of all participating libraries. MARC tapes are converted to random files on discs. Records are retrieved for each library who then may change and modify any record within its file. From this updated file catalogues are printed for the library. Library records that are not on the MARC tapes can be added to the system.
Fifty million issues per year: the development of computer based circulation control systems
Authors: Hull D.J.
Published: February 2008

This article reflects upon the growing use of automated circulation control systems over the past few years. It outlines the reasons for this growth, looks at some of the important lessons to be learned, considers how the requirements have changed over this period and makes some predictions about where these changes will lead.
The stability of symbol sets produced by variety generation from bibliographic data
Authors: Verity Brack E. , Cooper David , Lynch Michael F.
Published: February 2008

Variety Generation involves the selection of sets of character strings, or symbols, which are intended to occur with equal probabilities in bodies of text or sets of text units from a particular source. It is important that the sample used to generate the symbol set should be representative of the data with which the set will be used. An assessment is given here of the amount of variation in symbol sets generated from files of titles and author names from BNB MARC data over a five year period, and a comparison is made with LC MARC. Some of the BNB symbol sets are compared directly, and equifrequency statistics are obtained for the assignment of each symbol set to each file. The differences between the equifrequency statistics are examined by means of an analysis of variance technique.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: East Harry
Published: February 2008

Dear Sir, The review (Program, Oct. 1977) of the report by Groenewegen and MarsHall ‘optical character recognition: the use of OCR techniques in decentralized data collection for bibliographic information systems’ somewhat misses both the point and the outcome of the investigation. Indeed, one might be led tobelieve that the difficulties encountered outweighed the benefits of the technique in the environment under consideration. The reverse is true. The investigators found that ‘the results have shown the feasibility of using OCR as a relatively simple technique for the preparation of input to computerised bibliographic information systems on a decentralized basis by countries that do not have the facility for preparing magnetic tape input. The main consideration is that centres preparing input should have access to sound equipment and the correct materials. However, the experiment showed that even flawed input could be processed and corrected very quickly and at a fraction of what it would cost to punch the input centrally’ (page 45).
The Kent Library Automated Circulation System (KLACS)
Authors: Flavell P.J. , Saunders R.C.
Published: February 2008

In October 1976 the University of Kent at Canterbury Library implemented an on‐line circulation control system. Based on an Interdata 74 mini computer and using Plessey light pens, a Pertec VDU and a teletype, the system (KLACS) operates for 84 hours a week. The system was designed to include all the features available under the manual system together with the automatic production of lists, recall notices and statistical data. The file specification and the input/output facilities are described in detail.
Computerisation of the Rutherford Laboratory Catalogue
Authors: Crennell K.M. , Marsh E.
Published: February 2008

The conversion of the Rutherford Laboratory Library catalogue to the computer is described. An existing program package, FAMULUS, already running on central laboratory computers, was used in preference to the purchase of a small computer system just for the library work. In addition to the two catalogue sequences, there is access to the KWIC index, which saves the effort needed to prepare a subject index to the specialised holdings.
Design aspects of an on‐line integrated public library system
Authors: Ashford J.H. , Dudley M.P.
Published: February 2008

During the period 1979–1982, Hertfordshire Library Service will install an integrated circulation control and catalogue maintenance system. This paper discusses aspects of the system design deriving from policy decisions concerning limited management change, the careful allocation of resources and the need for improved reader services. This involves the development of co‐operative cataloguing, new systems of reservations control and the development of an on‐line catalogue. Microprocessor sub‐systems will be used to ensure a high degree of reliability, and the attempt to balance hardware costs against a degree of robustness is described. The paper also sets out a statistical model for estimating real‐time system loading deriving from queuing theory and the response characteristics of the machine system. 8 Refs.
Library automation in Australia: the state of the art
Authors: Peake Dorothy G.
Published: February 2008

The author explains that both the 14.5 million population and the distance which Australia is from major publishing centres may account for the enthusiasm for new technology. Libraries in Australia were early users of minicomputers. A feature of these developments has been the growth in the country's telecommunications culminating in the introduction of MIDAS in 1979 and the use of online databases via Lockheed, SDC and OCLC. Access to databases within Australia is now achieved through AUSINET and CSIRONET. This has promoted library automation, which is here dealt with in three phases — Phase I relates to punched‐card systems; Phase II is characterised by the introduction of AUSMARC in 1971 and the establishment of the Australian MARC record service — under this phase are described the developments in systems for acquisitions, cataloguing, data entry, circulation control, and serials receipts; Phase III covers the shared systems and cooperative networks. The article ends by briefly surveying the future which seems largely dependent on the success of the National Library of Australia's development programme for hardware and software to provide a nationwide service.
Shall we circulate automatically?:
Authors: Wright G.A.
Published: February 2008

This paper examines the recent acquisition by Newcastle Polytechnic Library of a computer aided circulation control system. Using the Cost Benefit Analysis methodology (CBA), the costs and benefits of the new system are compared with the previous manual system, particular attention being given to the valuation of students' time. While the CBA approach has many critics, it is basically just an application of traditional economics, i.e. a study of the allocation of resources modified to take account of non‐marketed costs and benefits. As such, it can be a useful guide to policymakers through the identification and evaluation of ‘external’ costs and benefits of alternative projects. External effects which the organisation's accounting methods might otherwise ignore. The study, though subject to errors of omission and misinterpretation (which are inevitable given the complexity of the project and the limited resources available to the analyst), showed that the resource costs of the new installation exceeded the benefits by £33,000 — discounted over a projected life of five years. The major factors influencing this conclusion were: the high cost of ‘in house’ computer programming, and the relatively small saving of user time. A more sophisticated computer with the capacity to hold ‘online’ information on the current state of the book stock could have had a significant impact on the time taken to borrow an item. This would have increased the benefits to users (and possibly encouraged a rise in demand) which may have been sufficient to offset the additional capital costs.
Automation, appropriate technology and appropriate information systems
Authors: Massil S.W.
Published: February 2008

This paper takes up a question raised by Edward Lim in an article on the MALMARC Project in the issue of July 1980 regarding the place of advanced technology in the libraries of developing countries where labour is cheap and plentiful. Advances in Malaysia show that some developing countries are more developed than others and that the achievements of the Project confirm that it is appropriate to introduce computers into library work there. The main question remains however, the appropriateness of advanced information systems in developing countries and what standing libraries might have in contributing to the development process where ‘information’ about information could be considered even more important than some of the fields where great effort has long been directed to ‘development’. The paper suggest some areas where library staff ‘displaced’ by automation might best serve in a developing country while libraries themselves attempt to make best use of technological developments available; these should be ‘internalised’ to give the country the best benefit of new advances.
Regional and transnational exchange of data: problems of international co‐operation between databases and networks
Authors: Dahl Mogens
Published: February 2008

The paper identifies lessons to be learned from the planning of Euronet‐DIANE and SCANNET with a view to the general prerequisites and problems to be handled when several interested parties are brought together for the purpose of setting up information services from databases and networks. Online services are placed as one among several communication channels for scientific information. The planning of Euronet‐DIANE and SCANNET in this environment followed different patterns. The basic elements were the same, but the order in which the problems received attention differed.
DECO
Authors: Croft Peter , Allen G.R.
Published: February 2008

DECO is a textual database system for online searching and retrieval of documents, combined with offline index production. DECO is available from Unilever Computer Services Limited (UCSL) as a software package for Prime & Harris computers or as a bureau service. The design approach adopted for the software package enables it to be readily adapted for other host machines. The features of the system include both direct searching of an inverted file, derived from source data by means of one or more key extraction routines chosen by the user, and string searching of the text of retrieved document sets for both text strings and numeric values and ranges. In both cases, sophisticated truncation and masking facilities are available. All the keys in the inverted files or any subset of them may be displayed for selection online. Full Boolean logic and brackets may be used in combining search terms and/or previous search result sets. Retrieved document sets may be displayed either online or offline in formats determined by the user, and may be sorted prior to display to meet specific user needs. The whole database or any subset resulting from an online search can be made available for offline KWAC index production, using specified keys and user‐defined formats. Search strategies or groups of search terms can be saved using macros which offer permanent or temporary storage from which searches can be re‐executed. Switching between databases is easily achieved online.
Using a general purpose microcomputer to aid the searching of bibliographic databases
Authors: Bell A.J. , Bell Anne , Smith N.R.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes a system designed to utilise a general purpose microcomputer for online literature searching in place of a coventional terminal. A program (LIB) was written to enable search profiles, which have previously been stored in disk files on the microcomputer, to be sent to the host computer at the speed of the communication line. In addition, a log of the response from the host is stored in another disk file by LIB. LIB is described together with a ‘typical’ search that was run using both the search program and a conventional terminal. The times taken to run the search by both methods are given. It was found that substantial reductions in connection time can be made, and that using a microcomputer in this way need not restrict the interactive nature of online searching. A final advantage of this approach is that a general purpose microcomputer has many other applications. 7 references.
The enhancement of Sheffield City Polytechnic's online circulation control system
Authors: McLaughlin Paul
Published: February 2008

This article updates a previous account of the automated circulation control system operating at the Pond Street Site Library, explaining how original plans for automation have evolved. An outline is given of the kinds of problem encountered with the original system design (availability of files, storage capacity, currency of data), and of remedial measures taken. The benefits of the enhanced system are assessed along with a brief discussion of recent developments concerning the extraction of more detailed management information.
Interfacing microcomputer software using a common file
Authors: Bordwell Stephen
Published: February 2008

Several approaches towards increasing the number of users of an item of software have been pursued; cooperative development, low cost distribution and greater flexibility in the end use of software. One technique for the more flexible use is to relate items of software which were not initially designed for such a relationship i.e. — to interface software. This may be done by designing software systems so that two programs have a file in common. Several microcomputer system utilities are written with this in mind. As well, file conversion can make the output file from one program compatible with another program. Examples of these techniques are provided.
The UNISIST reference manuals and UNIBID — standardisation for development
Authors: Dierickx Harold
Published: February 2008

In this article, standardisation refers mainly to bibliographic information and to information on research in progress, in automated environments. The purpose, underlying methodological principles and contents of the Reference Manuals for bibliographic descriptions and for descriptions of research projects and institutions respectively, is summarised. A brief account is given of past and proposed future objectives and activities of UNIBID. Proposed future activities of UNIBID include development of portable software for a comprehensive information processing package based on the Reference Manuals, and the establishment of implementation, advisory, training and maintenance services. Suitable software is being developed and it is anticipated that, after an initial pilot phase, the complete package and supporting services will be available from 1984. Partial implementations should already be available as from the beginning of 1983. The role of the Reference Manuals and UNIBID's activities in contributing towards the creation of information infrastructure, especially in developing countries is indicated. The final sections include a discussion of the Reference Manuals with particular reference to some parallel international communication formats, such as the Universal MARC format (UNIMARC), the Common Communication Format for Bibliographic Data Interchange (CCF), and the format of the International Information System for the Agricultural Sciences and Technology (AGRIS). It is suggested that the information needs of end users, in combination with the adoption of the Reference Manuals and accompanying portable software, may have a long‐term impact on standardisation attitudes of database producers.
Human, electronic, and reprographic aspects of image and text processing: a tutorial and review
Authors: Cawkell A.E.
Published: February 2008

The properties of the human senses are described, and the article continues with a short review of text display. Text and image processing are discussed with reference to resolution and scanning. Image processing is covered in some detail, including processing of grey scale and colour images, and Television and other cathode ray tube displays. Sections on compression, communication theory and coding follow. The article concludes with a review of data transport in complete systems followed by 36 references.
REMARC: A retrospective conversion project
Authors: Severtson Susan
Published: February 2008

A detailed history and description of the REMARC project, which is carrying out the conversion from the LC Shelf list of all records not on USMARC. This is an undertaking on a very large scale, and has the co‐operation of the LC Automated Systems Office, which takes the tapes produced in Scotland and adds the MARC tags to the raw data. The records are then available for any library which wants to converts its catalogue to machine readable form and the project includes search programs. The article includes examples of how this works, and concludes with a list of tags and data included.
dBASE II — Library use of a microcomputer database management system
Authors: Bordwell Stephen
Published: February 2008

The nature of database management software is considered in the light of library requirements, and is compared with information retrieval software. Specific features of one system, dBASE II, are considered with respect to a particular library application, a collection consisting of library supplier trade literature maintained by the Library of the College of Librarianship Wales. Database management software seems appropriate in such a case as ad hoc retrieval is not a requirement, as the database management system permits rapid system development, and facilitates the creation of printed lists derived from the system's databases.
Microcomputer use in libraries in the US: current and future trends
Authors: Chen Ching‐Chih
Published: February 2008

This article intends to provide a quick overview of microcomputer use in American libraries. It also speculates about future trends in library microcomputer applications in the light of the rapid development in micro‐based hardware, peripherals and software.
The ALS online integrated library system at Rotterdam
Authors: Schoots P.J.T.
Published: February 2008

This paper covers the ALS (Automated Library Systems Ltd) system used at Rotterdam City Library in the Netherlands. The requirements for the circulation and cataloguing systems are given and then the ways these have been realised using ALS equipment and software are described. This new ALS system is an extension of previous systems as it includes cataloguing modules and an enhanced record structure. The use of ALS's touch terminal, known as the Browser, at Rotterdam, is also described.
Multi‐site library networking at Liverpool Polytechnic
Authors: Chan G.K.L.
Published: February 2008

Libraries wishing to install a network of online terminals to serve a multi‐site library system may be interested in an alternative approach to that described previously by the Polytechnic of Central London (PCL). Like PCL, Liverpool Polytechnic has joined SWALCAP, although for cataloguing not circulation control, and was faced with the problem of providing online terminals in widely‐scattered sites (originally eight at Liverpool but now increased to nine, compared with six at PCL) located in several different telephone exchange areas. The conventional method of leasing British Telecom lines to connect the remote sites to the central processor was considered, but the estimated costs were too high. It was then realised that the Polytechnic's Computer Services Department already had a communications system to serve its multi‐site network of computing facilities and this system could be enhanced to support the library's terminals. Using this method reduced the capital cost by nearly £13,000 and the annual recurrent cost by nearly £5,000. Detailed cost breakdowns are given in Table 1 (a) and (b).
Fax: testing the uses of facsimile transmission at Aberdeen City libraries
Authors: Smith‐Burnett Letitia
Published: February 2008

Aberdeen's geographical isolation from other centres of commerce and industry in the United Kingdom encourages librarians in the city to examine all possible methods of communication, especially those systems which promise to deliver documents quickly. Getting information quickly has always been important to libraries which provide information to industry, and today's world of rapid technological change provides a further sense of urgency for those of us who serve areas such as the oil and gas industry, where tomorrow's information is always wanted yesterday! Our distance from other libraries such as the Mitchell Library in Glasgow and the Institute of Offshore Engineering in Edinburgh means that we cannot refer our readers to these centres but have to satisfy their enquiries ourselves. Close co‐operative links with other local libraries are important but don't diminish the need for quick and easy access to the provincial patent library in Glasgow, the Science Reference Library in London or other national libraries such as the BLLD (British Library Lending Division) in Boston Spa.
Current library automation research supported by the British Library
Authors: McLean Neil
Published: February 2008

There would be few in the library world who would dispute the fact that information technology is having an impact on management perspectives, service goals, organisational matters and library housekeeping systems. But there would also be few who would claim to have a firm grasp of the complex interaction between developments in technology and their effects on library and information services. The need therefore to sponsor research into both the technologies and the potential applications is of crucial importance as a means of confronting these problems.
OPACs in Australia: a progress report
Authors: Mays Tony
Published: February 2008

This article reviews the extent to which OPACs have been installed or planned in Australia. The information was collected by requests for information and telephone interviews. The review indicates widespread acceptance of OPACs across most types of library in Australia. Eighteen systems are identified, showing marked penetration by vendors and some inhouse developments. Retrospective conversion is in an advanced state and reasons for this are given. OPACs are also being accessed from outside the library. Australian libraries have wholeheartedly accepted OPAC technology.
Problems of subject access: (i) automatic generation of printed indexes and online thesaural control
Authors: Congreve Juliet
Published: February 2008

A research project in progress at Middlesex Polytechnic is examining the problems of providing adequate subject access from MARC‐based cataloguing systems. Various forms of printed index are being evaluated and an experimental online public access catalogue is being designed. The PRECIS RIN file will be tested as a basis for online thesaural control and as a browsing facility.
Problems of subject access: (ii) user studies and interface design
Authors: Croucher Charles
Published: February 2008

A research project in progress at Middlesex Polytechnic is examining the problems of subject access in an online public access catalogue. A series of user studies have been carried out which examined students' use of existing catalogue facilities, which in turn led to the experimental evaluation of various interface designs for an online catalogue. The experiments were primarily concerned with the effect of the following variables on the speed and accuracy of retrieval of specific items, the use of colour, the speed of presentation of information, the amount of information on a screen, the paging and scrolling of information, the position of a sought item within a list.
Report on the Second International Conference on the Application of Microcomputers in Information, Documentation and Libraries, Baden‐Baden, Federal Republic of Germany 17–21 March 1986
Authors: Batt Chris
Published: February 2008

This conference was sponsored by Unesco, and organisations involved with information and documentation in West Germany. Although papers on many applications were presented, Unesco had funded a pre‐conference seminar on the uses of microcomputers in information work in developing countries, and this was a theme which re‐appeared during the conference itself. Whilst over 300 delegates from 53 countries attended, all papers were presented and will be published in English.
A microcomputer‐based book acquisition system in India using dBASE II
Authors: Haravu L.J. , Jadhav P.S. , Sreeramana R.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the general and functional criteria used in designing the book acquisition system at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics in Hyderabad, India (ICRISAT). The schema, relations, and attributes of the systems' database are given. The capabilities of the system are described, and advantages of using dBase II as the applications language are outlined.
The SPRIG Union Catalogue of Periodicals on dBASE III
Authors: Atton Christopher F.
Published: February 2008

When the Sport & Recreation Information Group (SPRIG) was founded in 1984 one of its aims was to improve bibliographic control of the literature of sport, physical education and recreation. The co‐operative exploitation of resources was also considered to be of great importance. To these ends SPRIG has, since its founding, intended to publish a United Kingdom Catalogue of Periodicals in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, containing holdings of all libraries and institutions participating in SPRIG. During 1986 the group approached Leeds Polytechnic School of Library & Information Studies for assistance and, as a result, the system analysis and design for the project was undertaken by the author as part of the Computer Studies component of the Postgraduate Diploma Course at the School.
The Universal Standard Bibliographic Code (USBC): its use for cleaning, merging and controlling large databases
Authors: Ayres F.H. , Huggill J.A.W. , Yannakoudakis E.J.
Published: February 2008

The history of the Universal Standard Bibliographic Code (USBC) is traced from its original concept as a machine generated control number to its present status as a means of merging catalogues, eliminating duplication and providing quality control in machine‐based bibliographic databases. Details are given of the early research work, the feasibility study that was carried out in connection with the United Kingdom Library Database System (UKLDS), the DOCMATCH Project and the work on expert systems. A resumé is given of the present work and proposed areas for research.
A training workshop in the use of JANET
Authors: Palmer Judith , Yeadon Janice
Published: February 2008

The packet switched network JANET (Joint Academic Network) which links the academic community of universities, polytechnics, government funded research establishments and the British Library has great potential for library use. JUGL (JANET User Group for Libraries) has been established as a special interest user group to encourage libraries to make the most of these opportunities. Its terms of reference include the provision of teaching and training, and to this end the JUGL Committee decided to organise a training workshop in September 1987.
An in‐house system for cataloguing, retrieval and loans in the Irish Meteorological Service Library
Authors: Shields Lisa
Published: February 2008

A description is given of the system produced by the Irish Meteorological Service Library for computerised cataloguing and retrieval, linked to an automated loans/returns system. The programs have been written entirely in FORTRAN 77 for the DEC 20–50 mainframe computer. Users can access the system through their own terminals, and may create retention files of records retrieved. In this system rapid retrieval is effected through a simple command language. Any number of keywords (which may be general keywords, authors' names or UDC subject classification numbers) can be combined in a single command by using the logical boolean operators AND, OR, NOT. Display is by a menu offering various formats on screen or on file. Online help is provided. The techniques used are discussed and indications are given of file structure, storage requirements and running speeds.
Development of BLCMP's Online Public Access Catalogue
Authors: Foster William , Wellings Richard
Published: February 2008

BLCMP has been providing a computerised cataloguing service for nearly 20 years. Over the last five years the emphasis of its activities has been towards the implementation of an integrated stand alone library system, BLS. The OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) module of BLS has recently undergone extensive development with the introduction of author and keyword search facilities. Features of the OPAC described in the paper include parameterisation for flexibility in screen design, novice and expert searching, the first and current (Revision 1) versions and future developments. Finally, the close working relationship between BLCMP and the library school at the City of Birmingham Polytechnic is described.
Planning and producing the British National Bibliography on CD‐ROM
Authors: Smith Robert , McSean Tony
Published: February 2008

The British National Bibliography (BNB) is now available on CD‐ROM. This paper describes the development of this database including the production and evaluation of a pilot CD‐ROM disc prepared by the British Library in conjunction with Bibliothèque Nationale in France. Examples of searching the CD‐ROM are included.
Using different CD‐ROMs on the same non‐dedicated workstation: some problems and solutions
Authors: Hughes Alun
Published: February 2008

The problems encountered in running CD‐ROM products on workstations not dedicated to a single application are examined. In particular, system configuration requirements are explained. Both installation and upgrading of search software are covered.
Publishing TEXnical INFORMATION: typesetting by database
Authors: Myhill Martin
Published: February 2008

Much has been written about the link between desktop publishing and word‐processing systems. Linking a database management system to a publishing system can have considerable advantages. At the University of Exeter Library the TEX typesetting system and the INFORMATION database management system have been combined in a number of stages to produce foreign language bibliographies, as described in this paper.
Image handling for museums and libraries: report of a conference
Authors: Stubley Peter
Published: February 2008

The British Library Research and Development Department (BLR &DD) has long been interested in the developing technologies in the fields of imaging and multimedia, and in 1988 published An overview of image processing and image management systems and their application. This report reviewed several fields where these technologies were already being used and also highlighted the future trends for the industry and standards. Since then imaging and multi‐media projects with relevance to the library and information world have featured as a priority area in the allocation of the Department's funds. It is therefore not surprising that this year's Anglo‐French seminar (24–26 June), the eighth in a series of annual seminars aimed at bringing researchers together to discuss ongoing work on topics of common interest, had image handling in museums and libraries as its theme.
Interfacing dBase III+ and PageMaker in the production of a publication‐quality bibliographic index
Authors: Sargent Goff , O'Brien Ann
Published: February 2008

A method for the automated preparation of a publication‐quality author and subject index to students' dissertations is described. A datafile of bibliographic data with up to five descriptors was converted to an intermediate text file by a dBase III+ command program, and transferred from an IBM compatible computer to an Apple Macintosh, where formatting for printing was completed automatically by using Aldus PageMaker paragraph tags.
Facilitating the use of LIBERTAS with programs run on a microcomputer
Authors: Wall Terry
Published: February 2008

Savings in paper and staff time may be made by using a microcomputer as an interface with a library automation system. Programs run on the microcomputer may be used to supply input to the system or modify its output. Additionally, routines not supported by the system may be performed, thus improving compatibility with local requirements.
Workstation design for library automation
Authors: Dyer Hilary
Published: February 2008

Inefficiency and physical complaints can be caused by poor workstation and job design. The main roots of these problems are identified and some solutions suggested. These solutions include redesigning automated workstations according to ergonomic principles, based on an analysis of the workstation use and its users. Suggestions for improving job design to optimise health include incorporating alternate work breaks, encouraging autonomy and improving feedback on operator performance.
The year of the UNICORN: a review of the first year's experience with the UNICORN collection management system at the King's Fund Centre
Authors: Haines Margaret
Published: February 2008

In the Autumn of 1989, King Edward's Hospital Fund for London embarked on an ambitious project to develop a fully integrated information retrieval system for its two libraries and several specialist information exchanges accessible to all staff via the Fund's office automation network. In August 1990, it became the first European organisation to purchase the UNICORN collection management system to which it added the BRS/ SEARCH system for a complete full‐text retrieval and library management package. One year after installation, all modules are operational, a major collection inventory, weeding and barcoding project is nearly complete and the retrospective conversion of the library catalogues is on target with completion due in less than six months. The Fund, now one several of European UNICORN sites, recently hosted the first European UNICORN Users' Group.
Library automation in European Community countries: an overview
Authors: Larsen Gitte
Published: February 2008

More than 1,300 large integrated library systems are installed in the EC (European Community) member countries. This figure represents a growth rate of more than 525% over the last five years. New suppliers have achieved some 36% of the market. The number of suppliers of large integrated systems has increased from 12 in 1986 to more than 30. More than 3,600 small integrated systems have been installed by some 40 different suppliers shown in a study carried out in 1991 as background for the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) action under the Libraries Programme. Brief details of the main systems used in the 12 EC countries are given.
Producing a bibliographic database through scanning and OCR: the Online Contents Project in the Royal Library of the Netherlands
Authors: Ongering Mathilde , Wesseling Michel
Published: February 2008

The Koninklijke Bibliotheek (national library of The Netherlands, KB), in a joint project with the Library of the Catholic University of Brabant in Tilburg (KUB) and Pica (Dutch Centre for Library Automation), is creating a database with tables of contents of current periodicals. The information is scanned from the table of contents of the original periodical issue and converted by an OCR program into an ASCII file. This file is manually corrected and marked with tags. Subsequently an input file is created for the conversion that strips off all noise and creates a structured record. This record is the input for the database that will be presented as part of the OPAC to the library users. Sub‐projects are the research into the possibilities for the creation of a distributed database for nationwide use and a comparison of scanning and OCR techniques with manual input. When the outcome of the project is satisfactory the Online Contents database will be made operational for the KB on a regular basis. There are also plans for a national database, with nationwide input.
Creative picture research using the Hulton Deutsch CD Collection
Authors: Enser Peter G.B. , Orr Harriet P.
Published: February 2008

Organisations responsible for the maintenance of photographic archives are showing a developing interest in the creation of compact disc digital catalogues. These are perceived as a means of providing a ‘shop window’ to their collections, and a facility whereby their clients can order pictures directly without recourse to request mediation by a picture researcher or librarian. The Hulton Deutsch Collection's pioneering approach to this new dimension in picture library operation is described, with particular reference to those policies on indexing and interface design by which that approach was guided. Brief consideration is given to the extension of such desktop browsing facilities into the arena of high‐resolution electronic image delivery.
Using STATUS at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum for a radio archive
Authors: Harkness Clifford
Published: February 2008

This paper will discuss the development of an information management system providing access to radio archive material. A formal television and radio archive agreement between the BBC in Northern Ireland and the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in 1989 led to the decision to use STATUS for the management of the radio archive. An example of the record structure is given and some details of ways of searching.
A research student's view of the CTILIS workshop, April 1993
Authors: McDermott Elizabeth
Published: February 2008

The Computers in Teaching Initiative (CTI) is a programme funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) of the Higher Education Funding Councils of the UK with, as its name implies, the purpose of encouraging wider use of computer‐aided methods in university teaching. There are a number of centres which have been set up to disseminate information about the available training packages in specific subject areas. The Centre at Loughborough is concerned with the field of Library and Information Studies (LIS) and is known as CTILIS (Computers in Teaching Initiative Centre for Library and Information Studies).
Publication of the Bodleian Library's Pre‐1920 Catalogue of Printed Books on compact disc
Authors: Heaney Michael
Published: February 2008

The history of the Bodleian Library's Pre‐1920 Catalogue of Printed Books is given, with particular emphasis on the developments commencing with computerisation from 1967. The further development and enhancement of the Catalogue in preparation for its publication as a CD‐ROM is described, together with an outline of its Windows interface and the searching options.
Identification of duplicate and near‐duplicate full‐text records in database search‐outputs using hierarchic cluster analysis
Authors: Kirriemuir John W. , Willett Peter
Published: February 2008

Clustering the output of a multi‐database online search enables a user to obtain an overview of the information that has been retrieved without the need to inspect any documents that contain only redundant information. In this paper we describe a classification scheme that characterises the degree of relationship between pairs of documents in database search‐outputs and then report the application of a range of clustering methods and similarity coefficients to 20 such outputs. These experiments demonstrate that clustering is capable of grouping documents that are identical to, or closely‐related to, other documents in the search‐output on the basis of their term similarities.
The production of a database of local groups in Manchester
Authors: Gallimore Alec
Published: February 2008

A pilot database, known as INFORM, which provides information about local community groups in the Manchester area was developed during 1994 and 1995 by staff in Manchester Libraries. Tracing information about community groups in Manchester has always been a problem/The number of groups in a busy city such as Manchester is very large, many are ephemeral and transient in nature. Many enquiries are received in libraries concerning local groups and there is a steady demand from the public for easily accessible information about them. The aim of this pilot database and directory was to try and fill some of the gaps in information about local groups without duplicating what already existed in available directories.
Short communication
Authors: Blunden‐Ellis John
Published: February 2008

The LAMDA project (London and Manchester Document Access) was approved by FIGIT (Follett Implementation Group on Information Technology) on 30 May 1995, as part of the JISC (Joint Information Systems Commmittee) funded eLib (Electronic Libraries) Programme comprising over 60 projects in a number of categories, embracing document delivery, electronic journals, digitisation, on‐demand publishing, training and awareness, access to networked resources, and support studies. The web page for the project is at:
The Real NREN
Authors: Schrader William L.
Published: February 2008

Analogies used to describe the National Research and Education Network (NREN) range from the national highway system, to the regional canals, to an intertwined postal‐telephone system. Five years from today, I believe the NREN will have earned its rightful place as a new model for building a strong America and enabling still undreamed of concepts to flourish.
The X.500 Directory Service: A Discussion of the Concerns Raised by the Existence of a Global Directory
Authors: Hill Julia M.
Published: February 2008

The X.500 Directory Service is one of the most important tools ever produced for network users. It is the enabling mechanism for a revolution in communications among people worldwide. Initiating the service, however, can be fraught with problems—not the technical challenges of creating a globally distributed service with locally managed controls, but concerns raised by the very existence of a worldwide database of information relating directly to individuals. Opportunities opened up by the use of the Directory are inevitably accompanied by the possibility of misuse. Individual subjects of the information have divided views. They earnestly wish for easier contact with colleagues and others worldwide, while entertaining in varying degrees a fear of invasion of privacy or a violation of personal rights. Managements taking responsibility for their staff and students are reacting with caution to requests for information for inclusion in the Directory. These concerns must be taken seriously, or the service will fail—either by not reaching the critical mass that will make it useful, or by quickly becoming out of date and therefore irrelevant. Prospective Directory Service managers must lake considerable care to present the service in a reassuring way to their subjects and administrators, to convince them that the benefits greatly outweigh the risks, that controls exsist, and that responsible Directory use will benefit the world network community.