bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alerts
Authors: Ashworth Wilfred
Published: March 2008

A Second International Information Research Conference, its title “Multi‐Media Information”, is proposed for 15–18 July, 1991 at Churchill College, Cambridge. The sponsors are the British Library Research and Development Department and the University of Pittsburgh School of Library and Information Science. Anyone who would like to present a paper or a poster session on the theory or concept of multi‐media information, organising information for multi‐media use, the impact of the technologies on the research process, future applications in commerce, industry, science and education, or policy implications for decision makers and researchers is invited to apply before the end of August 1990 to Ms Karen Merry, Multi‐Media Information Conference, The British Library R&D Department, 2 Sheraton Street, London W1V 4BH, who should also be approached if you wish to reserve a place as a delegate.
Alerts
Authors: Ashworth Wilfred
Published: March 2008

Micheline Hancock‐Beaulieu of the Centre for Interactive Systems Research, Department of Information Science, City University, Northampton Square, London EC1 0HB contributes a research paper “Methods for Evaluation OPACs” to Library and Information Research News, Vol. 13 No. 47, Spring 1990, pp. 20–30. She concludes, from her examination of 31 papers, that the state‐of‐the‐art in the evaluation of Online Public Access Catalogues is still at a diagnostic stage and finds it necessary to warn that, when seeking better performance, user instruction must not be regarded as a substitute for system improvement. The article is a good starting point for anyone attempting evaluation of their own OPAC system, but shows that reliable evaluation of information systems remains elusive.
Reviews
Authors: Ashworth Wilfred
Published: March 2008

Of the historic Library of Alexandria not so much as a stone remains and archaeological surveys and excavations have produced no clues to the configuration, evolution through time, or the fate of the Great Library and the associated Mouseion (Temple of the Muses). Professor El‐Abbadi has examined a large number of old and modern texts and has constructed an account of the scholarship of the period, and assembled whatever evidence is available to throw light on the Library of Alexandria and the way in which it acquired its stock. Concerning its final fate he concludes that it was destroyed by fire in AD 48 as an indirect result of Caesar's attack on Alexandria.
Columns
Authors: Thompson Verena , Fleming Edwin , Bunch Allan
Published: March 2008

The African Caribbean Library Association's (ACLA) current Chair is Gloria Lock of Wandsworth Libraries. I interviewed her recently about the Association — the results of which are reproduced here with her consent.
Reviews
Authors: Ashworth Wilfred , Pettman Ian , Bradley Janet
Published: March 2008

Of all possible uses of computers in information handling the most controversial lie in the fields of artificial intelligence and expert systems. Incidentally, these fields are the most irritating to those people who cringe when computers are spoken of as is they possessed human attributes. They are also those areas which have absorbed most resources with comparatively little to show for it and yet are the most fascinating and potentially the most promising. They pose numerous unanswered questions and many daunting challenges, but they have brought some notable achievements, so librarians and information workers must accept the necessity to learn about, understand, and be capable of using and evaluating expert systems. Even in some cases they should be able to carry out modest development. But how do they achieve this desirable state of affairs? It is not often I go overboard when reviewing a book but I do so now because here is the answer to that question, the very book I, and I am sure many others, have been waiting for!
Columns
Authors: Cheshire David F. , Joseph Tony , Lacey Bryant Sue , Fleming Edwin , Bunch Allan
Published: March 2008

Even though many libraries now have sales counters where postcards (usually reproductions of old views) and some local histories (usually published by the library itself — like Northamptonshire Libraries' new, profusely illustrated and documented Waterways of Northamptonshire) are on sale, few if any have proper shops dispensing a full range of printed material on local topics (do send details if they exist).
Alerts
Authors: Ashworth Wilfred
Published: March 2008

Microinfo Ltd, PO Box 3, Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire GU34 2PG, announces a new compact disc which greatly facilitates access to the Bible and related theological studies. The Master Search Bible on a single disc includes texts of the New International Version, New American Standard Version, and the King James Version together with the full text of ten theological reference works:
Columns
Authors: Cheshire David F. , Lacey Bryant Sue , Cowell Sarah , Joseph Tony , Bunch Allan , Fleming Edwin
Published: March 2008

History teaching in a multi‐cultural society was one of the most frequently discussed topics in educational circles in 1990. Anybody who learned history in the pre‐1960 period would, however, have been surprised to learn that it was thought that “multi‐cultural society” was a new‐thing in the UK. To them the history of these islands seemed to be one wave of invaders after another with a sort of English only established as a universal language some 400 years ago. This strand in our history was matched by another in which brave Britons went off in search of fame and fortune, or to head off a foreign threat, overseas.
Alerts
Authors: Ashworth Wilfred
Published: March 2008

Chadwyck‐Healey Ltd, Cambridge Place, Cambridge CB2 1NR proudly announces, in a six‐page brochure, its intention to issue the whole of the final London edition of The Guardian newspaper for 1990 in February 1991 on a CD‐ROM disk. Subsequently, disks will be issued quarterly within eight weeks after the end of each quarter, cumulating to the year end. All articles and editorial text will be on the disks but advertisements, sports statistics, racing results (other than in articles) and statistics, Stock Exchange prices, radio television and entertainment listings, are excluded as is some copyrighted material. However the complete front pages, including pictures and graphics will be on the disk and may be displayed in facsimile. Searching is available in novice or expert modes and, as is now usual, Boolean operators, right‐hand truncation, wildcard characters, adjacency and proximity facilities and range searching of numbers and dates may be used.
Columns
Authors: Hanstock Terry , Cowell Sarah , Kerns Ruth , Fleming Edwin , Bunch Allan , Joseph Tony
Published: March 2008

Although their “best‐by” date (14 December 1990) has passed I can't really avoid some mention of The Library Charges (England and Wales) Regulations 1990. As is usual with government documents of this ilk, it follows a long‐standing tradition of unreadability. (Is this a ploy to discourage comment, one sometimes wonders?) Persevere with it, though, and a number of worrying proposals and implications reveal themselves. These include:
News from Nowhere: Thinking about the New Information Order
Authors: Norman Nigel
Published: March 2008

Information has become a strategic resource, a factor of production along with land, labour and capital. In some ways it rivals the money form as vector of value and means to power and influence in the new order. Narrowing the definition of information to mean a use‐value which conveys knowledge about the world and excluding bits, bytes and digitized transactions such as money transfer, brings us to the dynamic, booming “tradeable information” sector of the economy. This new area of growth can be seen as the precursor, in embryonic form, of a new mode of production. Just as the spinning‐wheel and steam‐engine epitomize earlier phases of industrial development, so the computer and its network links to the outside may herald a new form of social organization, albeit coexisting within earlier modes for the forseeable future. The emerging informeconomy exists, of course, in the real world of market relations, recession and global corporations. The backdrop is the economic equivalent of World War III, where only the toughest survive, be it in steel, cars, electronics or agricultural commodities. Where do libraries and information centres fit into this picture? Do we stand in relation to this process like the declining corner‐shop of the information world, confronted with the rise of the super‐, mega‐ and hypermarket? In the world of privatized consumption, “spectacular” domination, will the still small voice of humanistic culture survive?
Research results in information science
Authors: Bernhard Paulette
Published: March 2008

A study of how research results in information science are communicated, and how such results are perceived and used by information professionals in Québec.
What's in a name?
Authors: Brophy Peter
Published: March 2008

One of the favourite topics of conversation at library systems user groups is the way in which systems impose terminology on the unwilling library customer. Systems designed in the US tend to offer the worst examples to British eyes (“patrons”, “holds”, “call numbers” and the like) but very few systems offer the total flexibility that the customer would really like.
Sex and personal space
Authors: Larner Stuart
Published: March 2008

Men and women use the space at library tables differently. Knowledge of this can be used in the design of libraries.
News
Authors: Ashworth Wilfred , Pettman Ian
Published: March 2008

FEE OR FREE? The debate continues! The issue of Inform for July/August 1993, No. 156, published by the Institute of Information Scientists is largely devoted to the question of whether it is right to charge for information services. It contains short articles on charging at AEA Technology, Winfrith; the Wiltshire Library and Museum Service; and a series of hints on charging; finishing with a bibliography derived from recent library literature. There is also a short but pithy editorial by Sheila Webber, the Inform editor. Bring yourself up‐to‐date on the question and maybe also send Inform your views, as requested.
Information and the environment
Authors: Jeffers J.N.R.
Published: March 2008

The word “environment” is on everyone's lips at the moment, although, if pressed, few people might be able to explain what is meant by that term. Apart from a general feeling that concern for the environment is a “good thing”, there seems to be little awareness of the conflicts that lie behind the attention now being directed towards a wider understanding of the changes that are taking place in that thin layer of the planet earth in which life is possible, and especially the role that man plays in modifying the biosphere.
ISOs and the print disabled
Authors: Wesley Tom , Tobin Christopher
Published: March 2008

This article describes some of the work of the European Community funded project — Communication and Access to Information for People with Special Needs in the (CAPS) Programme Technology Initiative for Disabled and Elderly (TIDE). CAPS is developing ways of increasing access to information for a significant group of handicapped and elderly persons who have difficulty in accessing the printed word. The print disabled group includes the blind, the deaf blind, the visually impaired, the dyslexic and those with motor impairments which make it difficult to control paper documents.
Organizational Change at the State Library of New South Wales and the University of Canberra Library: Perception and the broader picture
Authors: Burrows Toby
Published: March 2008

To the front‐line soldier, war is far from being the kind of experience described by military historians and analysed by the strategists and generals. From the memoirs of those soldiers fortunate enough to have survived the battles which they fought usually emerges a picture of incomprehensible marches and movement, fragmented, intense action, and unconnected but significant details. There is no sense of the purposeful moves and counter‐moves, and unified patterns of action, seen by the historian or the general. While the analytical, “bird's‐eye” perspective may appear to make more sense of the events, it does so only at the cost of over‐simplification and loss of authenticity. A full account of a battle ought really to reflect the different “realities” perceived by the various observers and participants, but very few military historians have been able to do this. A notable exception is John Keegan, in The Face of Battle, who succeeds in conveying an impression of the individual soldier's perception of a battle, as well as giving the broader, analytical picture.
Using Your Personal Computer for OCLC Dial Access —
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

An increasing number of OCLC dial‐access users are abandoning their old “dumb” terminals and turning to personal computers (PCs for short) for connection with the OCLC Online System. There are software packages available for all PCs that allow them to “emulate” (imitate) those old dumb terminals, but that's just the beginning. With a PC, users can not only issue commands to the system and observe (or print) the results, they can store those results on a disk for later viewing or use. What's more, special communications software is available from OCLC and other sources that allows the PC to automatically perform various types of processing that now consume precious staff time. The PC can even be set up to start processing at 6:00 a.m. and be all finished when the staff arrives at 8:00 (or some other set of hours that's convenient for you). Try that one with the old dumb terminal!
OMPX: On the Trail of “Just Right” Software
Authors: Staples Brian
Published: March 2008

The OMPX (pronounced ahm'pix) sounds like it might be a creature in a Dr. Seuss story. A picture of a heavy‐set walrus‐like animal in a teal blue stocking cap comes to mind. This powerful creature is almost always good‐natured but is sometimes hard to find. With this image in mind, let's begin to find out what OMPX really is.
O[u]R Procedure for Cataloging Analytics
Authors: Newby Jill
Published: March 2008

Individual numbers of a serial title that are monographic in nature are sent to the Catalog Dept. for cataloging as analytics. Our Cataloging Micro Enhancer process works well with the analytics cataloging procedure since label production isn't required for analytics. The process also allows a backlog of “no copy” (i.e., no bibliographic record found) search keys to be maintained on the data disk for further searching.
Adventures with the M300 Workstation
Authors: Edgerton Mary
Published: March 2008

Our library was one of the first to receive an M300 Workstation, in late March 1984. We realized that we were in some respects venturing into new territory but, with the assistance of SUNY/ OCLC network staff and generous help from the college's computer center, we forged ahead, solving problems as they came up and slowly putting the power of the Workstation to work for us. Because sharing experiences and solutions to problems has proven invaluable to users of other microcomputers, I hope the following discussion will be helpful to those who own or are considering acquiring an M300 Workstation.
A “d” Limiter to Beware of
Authors: Cheney Hal
Published: March 2008

Have you been using dBASE II as a management tool in your library? It's a popular database management tool for PC users because you can easily
Students Say “Let ME Do It!”
Authors: Luthin Patricia
Published: March 2008

Because we were a test site, we have been using the Cataloging Micro Enhancer software since September 1984. Our original goals were to test the software for OCLC and to look for ways to use our M300 Workstation to the best of its ability. Note that we have only one M300 Workstation, on a dedicated line.
Word's Worth
Authors: Lyons Ray
Published: March 2008

Whether you are delighted with the prospect of learning about computers or have less noble motivations (like necessity), perhaps the most challenging obstacle before you is computer jargon.
Eric (not ERIC)
Authors: Anderson Eric S.
Published: March 2008

At our last meeting I strongly suggested that you learn some of the other things your micro workstation could do. To undertake those tasks, you need software, and we all know the high price tag of our newest form of enhanced library productivity.
Not for Novices
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

If you've ever taken the time to leaf through the owner's manual that came with your printer, you may have seen a list of special features like underlining, boldface printing, and graphics modes. Unfortunately, each printer has a different set of control codes to actuate these special features. As a result, most software packages avoid using these features so that the software will operate correctly with virtually any printer. But what's the point of having special features and operating modes if few software packages make any use of them?
Word's Worth
Authors: Lyons Ray
Published: March 2008

In the last issue, I invited you to join me in poking a bit of fun at some of the terms used in the data processing field. A little levity can relieve some of the tension that many have felt when confronted by computer jargon and it acknowledges that computer terminology was never designed to be easily understood. Computer terms are usually shorthand for concepts their users already understand.
The Importance of Making Backups or, How to Get Out of a Strawberry Jam
Authors: Staples Brian
Published: March 2008

Somewhere in its first few pages every good software manual stresses the importance of making backup copies of program and data disks. In the OCLC M300 Guide to Operations, 2d ed., the instructions for making backup copies are in Chapter 2, section 2.3.1. In the DOS manual (version 2.00) they're on pages 3–10 through 3–29.
What Smartcom Never Showed Us
Authors: Minnerath Janet , Parker Phillip
Published: March 2008

A year ago this past summer, we received our M300 Workstation, and a month later we had a Hayes Smartmodem 1200B, which comes with Smartcom II communications software, installed for sending electronic mail.
Eric (not ERIC)
Authors: Anderson Eric S.
Published: March 2008

I am pleased as cider that OCLC Micro is broadening its focus to address some needs of the fruit (e.g., Apple) using world. I'd like to start off with some comments on checking your drive speed and then move on to oft forgotten, but absolutely necessary software.
Printing from an Applications Program
Authors: Miller Bill
Published: March 2008

Does your printer work fine with OCLC but not with other software, or vice versa? To help you understand this situation, let's examine how various software packages send output to a printer.
Software Integration without Integrated Software
Authors: Power Lee
Published: March 2008

Every librarian dreams of a full‐function, integrated library automation system arriving in a neatly packaged, turnkey system from a single vendor who will cordially support all of the local library's unique requirements. It should be no surprise that such a system is not available at any price for any size computer—not on a mainframe, minicomputer, or a microcomputer. However, microcomputer users with a do‐it‐yourself bent may find that they can “integrate” available systems using existing building blocks and techniques to link two or more systems to accomplish a task.
Staff Help Develop Cataloging Procedures:
Authors: Hackleman Debbie
Published: March 2008

Involving the people who will use new procedures daily in developing those procedures is an important aspect of getting the most out of any system. Who better than the daily users of a system to develop and try out new ideas?
One Little, Two Little,… Ten System Users
Authors: Sweda Vicki
Published: March 2008

One of my responsibilities as an OCLC secretary is creating, editing, and filing various types and styles of “paper” documents. This routinely involves handling the work of up to ten people. At OCLC, computers are used to create, edit, and file these documents. In time—sometimes just a few weeks, depending on the work load—just retrieving a single document after it has been filed can be a time‐consuming task. Even given the speed at which the computer works, finding files in an automated system can be as difficult as it ever was in the old‐fashioned metal filing cabinet—unless your files are as organized as they were in that cabinet. (They were, weren't they?)
What a Spreadsheet Is and Why You Might Care
Authors: Anderson Eric S.
Published: March 2008

I am going to give you a very brief description of what a spreadsheet is, plus one example of the type of information you can manipulate with one—kind of like the pimento in the olive on top of the hors d'oeuvre that precedes a 12‐course banquet.
Word's Worth
Authors: Lyons Ray
Published: March 2008

Like Ebenezer Scrooge, computers have acquired a negative image that they do not necessarily deserve. Let's consider some ways computers partake of the holiday spirit.
Not for Novices
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

One really nice feature of DOS batch files is that they accept “command‐line parameters”. For example, consider a batch file called COPYTOA.BAT, which might be used to copy a file or group of files to drive A. COPYTOA.BAT would consist of the following line:
Eric (not ERIC)
Authors: Anderson Eric S.
Published: March 2008

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at a library microcomputer conference and, although some of the academic types accused me of patronizing the audience—those who have heard me speak will counter that I always patronize the audience because they're the patrons, at least from my plebian perspective—'twas a good gathering. In many ways it turned on a light that I had been shining, only I had it hidden under a bushel.
Twice as Fast:
Authors: Geyer Enid
Published: March 2008

The Schaffer Library has been an OCLC member since March 1979. We have one terminal on a dedicated line. On August 9, 1985 our Model 105 terminal was replaced by an M300 Workstation (on which I wrote this paper using word processing software).
Pro‐Cite, Biblio‐Links, Pro‐Search, and OCLC: The Upgrade Makes the Grade
Authors: Whitney Gretchen
Published: March 2008

By combining the capabilities of the OCLC M300 Workstation or an IBM PC with Personal Bibliographic Software's Biblio‐Link to OCLC Pro‐Cite software, you can readily reformat data from OCLC records. You can produce bibliographies, acquisitions lists, standardization lists, library guides, reference lists for researchers, bibliographies for library instruction—almost any bibliographic listing you might require. You can even create a formal, fully annotated book‐length bibliography, complete with author, title, and subject indexes. You can also do some database analysis, for example, to standardize abbreviations or count the number of items published in a given year. By adding Pro‐Search, to the process, you can also get help searching BRS and DIALOG databases and merge these records into your database to create a stronger and more varied citations list.
File Director Take Root
Authors: Andresen David
Published: March 2008

PC users who have a hard disk face an interesting dilemma: how to keep track of all the files in the directory. Did you ever try to pick out a single file as names whiz by on the screen? Or did you ever try to figure out which files go with which programs? It can be pretty confusing.
Producing Library Guides Using WordStar
Authors: Hane Paula
Published: March 2008

To produce a library guide or bibliography that has call numbers in the left‐hand column and the citation and text to the right, as in fig. 1, here are some suggestions that might help in formatting your page. The symbol ⁁ is used here for the  or  key on your keyboard.
OCLANG: A ReMARCable Program
Authors: Greene Nancy S.
Published: March 2008

The University of Wyoming Law Library had a problem. We had a five‐year‐old database of our collection, maintained on the university's Cyber mainframe computer. A technician entered data manually into this database we call SIR. We also had a card print program on the Cyber, which used the same manually input file to print out author and title cards. At the same time, we were cataloging our holdings on OCLC, adding local classification numbers and subject headings to each record, although we did not use most of the information on the MARC record.
Turning the Tables on Your Files
Authors: Cheney Hal
Published: March 2008

Does the information in your dBASE II or dBASE III files sometimes seem to resist your best efforts to display it in a concise and easy‐to‐understand form? The problem may be in the sequential manner mat dBASE handles your records. Essentially, each row (horizontal line) in a dBASE listing represents a record, (or an entity); the columns present attributes of these records.
DOS‐tips
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

Many software packages require you to specify details about memory size, installed options, etc., to ensure correct operation of the program by answering a series of questions regarding the type of display, printer, etc., connected to your computer. This information is often stored in a configuration file, which the application reads each time it starts up. Normally, you only have to set up the configuration file once, when you first use the program.
Using Function Keys for Quicker Data Entry
Authors: Johns Fabienne R.
Published: March 2008

In the Retrospective Conversion Section of OCLC, each project team has a monthly goal of records to be converted. To reach that goal, the operators must be as efficient as possible, without sacrificing the quality of their work. Each operator uses an M300 Workstation to process shelflist cards according to specific customized instructions. Thousands of cards pass through an operator's hands, and converting a library's shelf‐list can involve a range of skills from updating an existing record with a minimum amount of editing to entering a new record—sometimes simple, sometimes complex—into the Online Union Catalog. Naturally the operators find that the user‐defined function keys are a terrific time‐saving device when used effectively. However, the level of an operator's expertise, as well as the degree of variety of the editing required on a project determine how the function keys are defined and used, if at all.
Beyond DOS: A BASIC Menu for Hard Disks
Authors: Dempsey Paul
Published: March 2008

If you are one of the many people who have purchased an IBM PC or compatible with a hard disk (or added a hard disk to your M300 Workstation), you may find yourself with a bit of a problem. The advantages of hard disks have been well documented (see “Hard Disks for the M300 Workstation,” OCLC Micro, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 15–17). Besides room for large data files, they provide a place to install software program files, eliminating the need for extensive use of diskettes. Unfortunately, once you have this large group of files (which you should have divided into directories), you are faced with the problem of controlling the hard disk. You could spend $100 or more for a commercial hard disk manager, but a combination of DOS batch files and a BASIC menu program can solve the problem less expensively.
“Vet Med” for the Trojan Horse
Authors: Clancy Steve
Published: March 2008

Since I am also the system operator (sysop) of the Biomedical Library's WELLSPRING RBBS here at U.C. Irvine, I was glad to see Cathy Moore's article “Low‐Cost, High Quality Software” in the April 1986 issue of OCLC Micro. Both public‐domain and user‐supported software (i.e., “shareware”) have not always received the recognition they deserve.
Enhancing Smartcom II with “CopyCAT” Macros
Authors: Hayes Melinda
Published: March 2008

The process described here may seem cumbersome to librarians accustomed to using OCLC Terminal Software and the Micro Enhancer programs. But it allows us to use the same “standard” IBM PC and Hayes modem and software that serve other purposes in our library, thereby giving us access to a database we might otherwise not be able to afford. And the process described here can be applied to other databases.
Name‐Authority Control Using dBASE III Plus
Authors: Harwood Richard L.
Published: March 2008

We have developed several applications at the University of Texas at San Antonio using the database management software package dBASE III Plus. These applications range from periodical budgeting to controlling gifts and exchange items. Our latest application uses downloaded name authority records in standard translation with SaveScreen on the M300 Workstation as a means for maintaining our name authority control. This dBASE program:
Where to Find Used Computers
Authors: Stecklow Steve
Published: March 2008

Just as a new car drops in value the moment you drive it out of the showroom, a new computer depreciates the second it leaves its shipping carton.
Double DOS:
Authors: Moore Cathy
Published: March 2008

A multitasking program lets you do two things at once on your micro, for example, print spine labels while you edit the gift book list. At WILS, we use Double DOS, a S50 multitasking program, on our bulletin board computer. Double DOS divides the memory of the computer in two, letting us run one program in each section. We see only one section at a time; a simple combination of keys switches from one to the other. While the bulletin board program answers calls in the background, we use the other section of memory for word processing and printing requests. We have a command in our AUTOEXEC.BAT file that automatically starts Double DOS when we turn on the computer; a configuration file tells the program how to divide the memory. (You control how the memory is divided and can give one section priority, so that the program loaded there will run faster.) We give priority to the section that runs the bulletin board so online sessions won't slow down too much when we're using the free section of memory.
Printing Better dBASE Program Documentation with M3 WRITE
Authors: Cheney Hal
Published: March 2008

Have you installed M3WRITE (OCLC Micro Disk 2) or some full‐featured text editor as your dBASE III editor? If you have over 256K memory in your Workstation you can. If you have done so, then you know‐how much more efficiently you can create your dBASE command language programs.
Do‐It Yourself Programmning Can Be Child's Play
Authors: Andresen David
Published: March 2008

Sooner or later you will probably want your PC to do something that you don't have a program for. Maybe you will want it to print custom purchase orders, draw a map of the library's service area, or calculate special statistics.
“…Death and Taxes.”. and CD‐ROMs?
Authors: Marshall Mary
Published: March 2008

Will CD‐ROM technology radically change the way libraries do business or is the CD reader just another peripheral? It depends on whether this new technology finally delivers satisfactory solutions to the information needs of libraries and their users. From the Library of Congress to Sardinia, OH (see p. 16), compact discs are becoming another tool to enable librarians to do more for their users and to do it more effectively and at a cost savings.
Teeny Type for Tiny Things
Authors: Stapleton Joan
Published: March 2008

Teeny Type is a combination of condensed and superscript dot matrix type styles with narrow line spacing. It can be used for labeling small objects such as slides, contents of disks, etc. These directions for creating Teeny Type are for Epson printers but will work on some other models also. You can create Teeny Type with your OCLC Terminal Software and, if you want to use it with other programs, directions for creating a batch file are also given. [Editor: Another method that produces much the same results was described in OCLC Micro, vol. 1, no. 4, on p. 34. None of these methods will work with a daisy‐wheel type letter quality printer, nor will they work if you have set the DIP switches on your dot matrix printer to near‐letter‐quality printing.
The Bit Bucket
Authors: Schuyler Michael
Published: March 2008

So this is OCLC, where the fixed fields are at the top of the record and you type the first three characters of the title, comma, next two letters, comma, … and here's something that looks familiar, but it's called an M300 Workstation. But here's Microsoft and Lotus 1–2–3! Maybe things aren't so different after all.
Using EDLIN to Create or Modify Files
Authors: Martinez Margaret
Published: March 2008

In my article on p. 13 I described one method of building batch files. Since the files were short ones, I used the COPY CON command to copy the text of what I entered at the console to a file. Much of the information, even in these short files, was repetitive. I could also use EDLIN, the text editor that is built into DOS, to create batch files. Or I could use EDLIN to edit existing files (for example, one created with the COPY CON method), eliminating some repetitive typing.
Not for Novices
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

One common use of DOS batch files is to copy multiple files from one disk or sub‐directory to another. For example, you may have a batch file called BACKUP.BAT that looks somewhat like this and copies all files in the current subdirectory with a TXT or DOC extension to drive B:
DOS‐tips
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

One reason for using batch files is to streamline the user's workflow by handling complex command sequences automatically, operating “behind the scenes.” To suppress the echoing of commands to the screen, which could confuse the user, many batch files begin with an “echo off” command. Although this suppresses the echoing of the commands, it doesn't suppress any output that might result from those commands. Most of the remaining output can be suppressed by adding “>NUL” at the end of every command in the batch file that produces output, to redirect the output from the command to an imaginary device called NUL—the “bit bucket” I've mentioned in previous columns.
NETWORds
Authors: Youngholm Phil
Published: March 2008

If you're using the Cataloging Micro Enhancer (CAT ME) and OCLC Terminal Software on a hard disk, you may have discovered that CAT ME is set up to transfer SaveScreen data only from a disk in drive A, although the Terminal Software, Version 4.0, can save data on any drive.
Using the MicroMARC:amc Program
Authors: Pumroy Eric
Published: March 2008

For years archivists and manuscript curators have heard their librarian colleagues sing the praises of automation. Online catalogs, bibliographic databases, sophisticated computer searches, and all the other touted benefits of automation seemed to have exciting implications for the archival world. The reality of library automation, though, often fell far short of the promise, as library online catalogs frequently have proven too limited in both record length and search and management capabilities to give archivists the control they need over their unique collections.
Making M3WRITE Right for You
Authors: Evans Cathy
Published: March 2008

Our group of seven independent school libraries replaced our OCLC Model 110 terminals with M300 Workstations last summer. We also purchased the Cataloging Micro Enhancer software (CAT ME), with some vague notions about using it for “downloading,” “non‐prime‐time produce,” and “offline editing.” After using the ME for a week, we were comfortable with it but not sure it was all it was cracked up to be. After about three weeks, and working out the kinks in our processing workflow, we were convinced it's the best thing to come along since the first OCLC terminals.
Automated Exiting from OCLC with ProComm
Authors: Welsch Erwin K.
Published: March 2008

My article in the April 1987 OCLC Micro (pp. 23–26) described the use of the communications program ProComm to ease access to OCLC when dialing through a PC. It included a series of batch files and logon commands for speeding entry to OCLC and printing the results automatically.
Selecting a Form of Power Protection
Authors: Pennybacker Ed
Published: March 2008

In operating any computer system, whether a small personal computer or a large main‐frame system, power protection should be considered with respect to protecting computer data and possibly the hardware. But how much protection is needed? This article addresses basic issues computer users should consider before selecting power protection. Although some of the information applies chiefly to mainframe computers, the basic concepts (backing up data and line filters) apply to all systems.
User‐defined Function Keys for Serials Local Data Record Entry
Authors: Crawford‐Oppenheimer Christine
Published: March 2008

SENYLRC is the listing agent for a union list of serials that potentially includes almost 600 libraries. Since only 2 of the over 300 libraries whose holdings are currently in our union list are users of the Union List Component of the OCLC Serials Control Subsystem, we are responsible for maintaining the majority of the 60,000 local data records (LDRs) currently in the database and adding new LDRs as necessary. Thus, we are anxious to find shortcuts to speed up entry and updating of LDRs.
Comparing Backup Software
Authors: Minott John , Sherman David
Published: March 2008

This article reviews the performance of three commercial backup programs, run on two different types of machines. Because the DOS BACKUP command is slow, many PC users with hard disk systems use such programs instead. The programs we tested are:
From the Jaws of Oblivion…
Authors: Clancy Steve
Published: March 2008

Accidentally erasing a file or program on the hard disk need not be a soul‐shattering experience, thanks to a nifty little utility called UNERASE. UNERASE is a compact, fast, standalone file “undeleter” for diskettes or fixed (hard) disks.
Function Keys to the Rescue
Authors: Wild Judith W.
Published: March 2008

We have 15 OCLC terminals, 4 of which are used exclusively for cataloging and are connected to a CLSI interface and a printer used for labels. The four cataloging terminals are M300 Workstations; one was recently replaced with an XT. After acquiring an Epson printer in the fall of 1986, we found to our dismay that the sl6 labels we'd been using since 1975 wouldn't print correctly with this configuration. Specifically, our sl6 screen has one too many lines, so the last line prints off the bottom of one label and on to the next. This was, and still is, puzzling to us, as our sl6 labels conform to specifications for that size.
NETWORds
Authors: Moore Cathy
Published: March 2008

Libraries circulating software should take a few extra steps to protect the software (and users) from “pranksters.” For example, a patron might place a trojan horse program [see p. 3] on the disk that would destroy a subsequent user's data. Such a subverted [perverted?] program can be timed to “go off” only after a certain date or under certain conditions, making it difficult or impossible to determine who created the program. Avoid this by keeping archive copies of each disk and recopying the circulating disk every time it's returned, replacing any potentially altered programs with the original(s). Also check the disk's directory and delete any extra files added by patrons. [Reformatting and recopying would be safer since that would obliterate any subdirectories you might forget to look in.]
Using R:BASE to Construct an Auxiliary Database
Authors: Mancuso J. James
Published: March 2008

In March 1987 the Capital District Library Council, which acts as a resource consortium for 47 libraries in a ten‐county area of upstate New York, became one of two sites (the other is Rochester Library Council) in a pilot project to find, catalog, and preserve local collections of New York state newspapers as part of the United States Newspaper Program (USNP), a nationwide effort funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Not for Novices
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

The use of environment variables may seem like an esoteric (even incomprehensible) art to the “average user,” but even if you're not Dr. DOS, you might benefit from a little knowledge on the subject. Two environment variables you're probably already familiar with are PATH and PROMPT. These are special variables that are set with their own DOS commands (PATH and PROMPT, respectively) rather than the usual SET command, but they are environment variables nonetheless. You can use environment variables, including PATH and PROMPT, in batch files by simply enclosing the name of the variable in percent signs (e g , %PATH%). For example, you could create a file called STATUS.BAT containing the following lines:
DOS‐tips
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

From time to time, you may find that you need to call a batch file from within another batch file. [See p. 5 this issue.] If you've tried this in the past, you've found that DOS will run your secondary batch file, but there's a catch. After running the secondary batch file, DOS simply stops processing and returns to the DOS prompt. That's OK if running the secondary batch file is the last thing your main file does, since processing would have terminated anyway. But what if you want to run the secondary batch file from somewhere in the middle of your main file, then return to the main file for more batch commands?
Project Download:
Authors: Lashbrook John E.
Published: March 2008

Many people have wanted to do many things with OCLC‐MARC records. I would like to track the different kinds of bibliographic records processed by my cataloging staff so I can assign work to the professional and paraprofessional staff most efficiently. So, as the beginning of a management information system (MIS), I created Project Download, a microcomputer program that counts the number of bibliographic records that a holding library downloads from the OCLC Online Union Catalog and also enables me, as manager of the cataloging department, to count the materials coming from our acquisitions department. I gather the information using an M300 Workstation and process it on a Zenith 158 XT microcomputer that has a 10MB hard disk, using a microcomputer program called Smart to extract the data from the IBM environment and transform it into meaningful information in the Zenith environment. Smart is an integrated, fourth‐generation microcomputer software package with word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, communications, time management, and relational database management capabilities. Aldiough Smart doesn't require a hard disk, Project Download does in order to automatically pass data and control from module to module.
Use of the Apple Macintosh to Access OCLC: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Valauskas Edward J.
Published: March 2008

With more than 16 million records accessed by more than 6,000 libraries, the OCLC Online Union Catalog [OLUC] is one of the world's largest bibliographic databases. [There are now over 17 million records in the OLUC and 8,000 member libraries.] Traditionally, this enormous bibliographic database has, for the most part, been accessed by those institutions using OCLC hardware—OCLC terminals including models 100, 105, and 110 and M300 and M300XT Workstations—and operating over dedicated phone lines. Although dial access to OCLC via nondedicated terminals has been available for over 10 years, the advent of personal computers with high‐speed modems and telecommunications software has made dial access more attractive economically for libraries with relatively low cataloging volumes. This article briefly describes, our use of the Apple Macintosh at the Merriam Center Library (MCL) to access the OCLC Online System.
The First Wave: CD‐ROM Adoption in Offices and Libraries: I
Authors: Paisley William , Butler Matilda
Published: March 2008

The amount of information that could be distributed in the world increased by many orders of magnitude with the invention of movable type and the printing press. Then, however, the basic tools of publishing remained almost unchanged for four centuries after Gutenberg.
Not for Novices
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

If you're creating a batch file that you expect to be around for a while, especially if it does anything complex, it's a good idea to scatter remarks throughout the file to inform other people (and yourself) how the file works. To put a remark in a batch file, simply start a line with REM followed by a space. DOS will recognize the line as a remark and will not attempt to process it. If there is an ECHO OFF command earlier in the batch file, the remarks won't be displayed as they are encountered; otherwise they're displayed but not acted on.
WordStar Instructions for Printing Authority Cards
Authors: Emerson Deborah
Published: March 2008

We maintain an extensive file of cross references to guide our users, who are often unfamiliar with libraries and card catalogs. Until recently, a student aide typed all the subject authority cards and cross references on a typewriter, one set for the file located in technical services and one for the public catalog. Cards were checked by a librarian and any containing errors were returned to the student for retyping.
Not for Novices
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

Even with the advent of artificial intelligence, windowing software, and user‐friendly pop‐up menus, most microcomputer users are eventually confronted with…(theme from Jaws) …hexadecimal codes. These creatures (also known as hex codes) are often found in connection with printer and communications control and screen display characters. What are hex codes and what are they good for?
MicroMARC:amc Revised
Authors: Honhart Frederick L.
Published: March 2008

In the June 1987 issue of OCLC Micro I wrote about the MicroMARC:amc software developed at Michigan State University for use with the USMARC Archival and Manuscript Control Format (AMC). Since then the number of users has doubled and the next version of the system has been developed. Version 2.0 incorporates improvements users indicated they would like to see in the system. Here's a brief description of the changes and what they mean to users. For a complete description of the system, please see OCLC Micro, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 14–16.
ERIC on CD, Southern Style
Authors: Monical Ruth
Published: March 2008

Compact disc technology has come to the Southern Oregon State College Library in the form of the OCLC Search CD450 system and its ERIC databases. ERIC on CD‐ROM is a great step forward for a library somewhat behind the times in automated services. While many Oregon State System libraries started providing online searching in the mid 70s, we didn't begin until 1984. So when our library director suggested that we start using compact disc technology, we became rather excited at the opportunity to leap into this brand new area of automation. Librarians, students, and faculty have since grown attached to this new technology for enhancing research.
The One‐Disk Approach to Many SAVEKEY.DATs
Authors: Carnahan Paul A.
Published: March 2008

Over a year ago the technical services staff at Brandeis University began to experiment with the user‐defined function keys on our OCLC M300 Workstations. Like other M300 users across the country, we quickly found many uses for these time‐saving keys. For example, we programmed one set of user‐defined function keys to download bibliographic records to our local Geac library system through an online interface using the computer's serial port. Another set saves labels to diskette while PRODUCing or UPDATing; still others input the repetitive elements of records for dissertations and special collections materials.
DOS‐tips
Authors: Bendig Mark
Published: March 2008

The tips in this issue's column are directed to users of the WYSEpc 286 Model 2112, manufactured by Wyse Technology of San Jose, CA, a.k.a. the OCLC M310 Workstation. The M310 Workstation comes with an “enhanced” version of the MS DOS operating system. This version of DOS contains some interesting new commands that correspond to special features of the M310 hardware. Let's take a look.