bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management information from commercial automated library housekeeping systems: report of a survey
Authors: Willers Jean Marie
Published: February 2008

Background A survey was undertaken in November 1988 of libraries in polytechnics and universities in England and Wales having automated library systems. Its purpose was to find out whether management information had been a factor in the choice of those systems, what the opinion of libraries was about facilities for management information, and the sorts of use that had been made of the facilities. The survey was carried out in the specific context of background to the preparation of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the MSc in Information Systems and Technology at City University; it is reported here because of interest expressed by respondents to the survey.
As simple to use as a card catalogue: can you put your library catalogue on CD‐ROM?
Authors: McSean Tony , Smith Neil
Published: February 2008

Scope This article surveys the systems currently available here and in the US for using CD‐ROM technology to produce working library catalogues; it investigates whether it is worthwhile for individual libraries to consider CD‐ROM as a medium for the production of their own catalogues. We have included systems where an individual library's catalogue is searchable as though it were separate even though it is in fact embedded in a union catalogue of some kind.
The Work of BEDIS (Book Trade Electronic Data Interchange Standards Committee)
Authors: Hall Tony
Published: February 2008

For ten or more years it has been the wish of libraries and library suppliers to communicate electronically, but in 1989 it is still the case that the vast majority of orders, chasers, reports, invoices and statements are still being exchanged on paper. It is true that a minority of messages are being passed on diskette, magnetic tape, or via electronic mail, but these are largely as the result of private arrangements using widely differing standards and formats.
SALBIN: Freedom of Access for Users Unlimited
Authors: Ralls Marion
Published: February 2008

The Scottish Academic Libraries Bibliographic Information Network (SALBIN) is one among many of the manifestations of productive co‐operation among the Scottish libraries. Other formal and visible ones include the early establishment of the Scottish Union Catalogue and the inter‐lending system based on it, the Working Group for Co‐operation in Acquisitions, the building of the SCOLCAP mutual database which provided the bibliographic databases for most of the automated systems, and more recent initiatives in CON‐SPECTUS and in a joint training programe for library staffs. All these, of course, have as their final objective the improvement of service to the libraries' users, but mediated through the library staff, and therefore not only planned but implemented and experienced at staff level.
LIBERTAS implementation and networking at the University of Wales College of Cardiff
Authors: Mellows Richard
Published: February 2008

The University of Wales College of Cardiff (UWCC) was formed in September 1988 by the merger of the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST) and University College Cardiff (UCC). UWCC is the largest constituent college of the University of Wales. It has a student population in excess of 9000, and about 700 academic staff.
European National Libraries and CD‐ROM: A cooperative project
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: February 2008

Following pilot CD‐ROM projects in 1988 carried out by the British Library and the Bibliothque Nationale, Paris (jointly) and the Deutsche Bibliothek, Frankfurt (in parallel), 1989 has seen the publication of the national bibliographies of those three countries on CD‐ROM in compatible forms and with a commitment to keep the products in step wherever possible. This is, however, by no means the end of the story. Encouraged by the success of this cooperative venture and confident in the suitability of CD‐ROM as a distribution medium for bibliographic data, discussions have been taking place over the last twelve months on ways of ensuring a common development path and of sharing the expertise gained by these three national libraries with other national libraries. A project has now been set up and this article will give a brief description of its main aims and some of the expected results.
The Hitch‐Hiker's Guide to SCILSnet
Authors: Pachent Guenever
Published: February 2008

SCILSnet is the term which has been applied by Suffolk County Information and Library Service (SCILS) to its application of the Geac Library Information System.
Dolphin Library System
Authors: Baker John
Published: February 2008

This article is intended to complement the description of the Dolphin Library System which appears in the Guide to Library Systems for Schools published by the Library & Information Technology Centre in 1988. Since the Guide was published Dolphin's system has changed a great deal, much extra functionality having been added. In addition, a more subjective view is offered of the facilities available and their ease of use. Experience of the system was gained by the author firstly having cataloguing, enquiry and circulation control demonstrated by Dolphin, then spending a day using those modules and finally having a brief demonstration of the acquisitions module.
Preparations for an EC Action Plan for Libraries: a resumé of the published studies
Authors: Fuegi David
Published: February 2008

[The following article is the first of a pair of articles on the activities recently undertaken by the Commission of the European Communities in the field of libraries. Readers will no doubt be aware that a Plan of Action for Libraries in Europe is proposed, aimed at stimulating cost‐effective cooperation between libraries in the EC to the benefit of users, through the appropriate and efficient application of new information technologies. The following article describes the published studies undertaken principally in the preparatory stages, prior to the definition of the Plan. A future article will describe briefly the Plan itself and give an overview of current actions and projects. These artices are the first of what will be a continuing ‘European’ focus in VINE, covering not only the activities arising out of the Plan of Action but relevant automation developments in libraries in Europe. Ed.]
An extended Public Enquiry system at the University of Hull
Authors: Towler Bridget
Published: February 2008

When Hull University became the first UK library to install the Geac 8000 system in 1980, the Brynmor Jones Library was fortunate in having programming staff from the University Computer Centre seconded to the Library on a semi‐permanent basis. By 1986 the programming team, which has varied in number from 1 to 3 over the years, had already created one of the first networked OPAC systems in the country and had also started to use the 8000 for non‐library systems. GEMS (an electronic message facility) available to all members of the University without the need for separate registration had proved so popular with students that the number of terminals in the Library accessing the system simultaneously had to be reduced in order to prevent other library users being denied access to the catalogue. Also, both a Careers Information system and a Stores system have been in daily use by many departments in the University since 1986. All these facilities were made available via the main Public Enquiry system on the 8000.
European Conference on Library Automation and Networking, 9–11 May 1990
Authors: CY Lee Louis
Published: February 2008

The Palais du Congress in Brussels was the venue in early May for the European Conference on Library Automation and Networking bringing together close to 700 participants from thirty countries. The Conference was supported by UNESCO, the Council of Europe, the European Cultural Foundation, the Commission of the European Communities, and a whole host of national and international institutions and companies too long to list in this brief article. The suppliers added interest to the Conference and the exhibition area was always full of conference attendees trying to find out about the latest available products and services.
Nottinghamshire County Libraries and BOOK PLUS
Authors: Baker John
Published: February 2008

Nottinghamshire County Libraries recently embarked on a new phase of automation with the replacement of their ageing Plessey SPC1B circulation system — possibly the last in the country. This serviced the five largest branch libraries in the Nottinghamshire system (which includes all the City libraries) and ran on the local authority ICL 2900 series mainframe computer which held books on loan and catalogue files. The priority for Nottinghamshire was to replace the system in those five libraries but the new system goes much further.
School Topic List Management in Camden
Authors: Hayes David
Published: February 2008

The London Borough of Camden assumed responsibility for education in April 1990 upon abolition of the Inner London Education Authority.
Book Data: a valuable tool for librarians
Authors: Mowat Ian
Published: February 2008

Book Data has existed as a company producing bibliographic records for the publishing industry since 1987 but it has taken some time for its actual and potential value to impact on the library community. An earlier article in VINE outlined the position at the end of 1988. Of particular interest at that stage was the service Book Data offered of providing CIP data to the British Library on behalf of contracted publisher customers.
Project ION: OSI pilot/demonstration project between library networks in Europe for interlending services
Authors: Plaister Jean
Published: February 2008

The European Commission has accepted a proposal for an Open Systems Inter‐Connection (OSI) pilot/demonstration project between library networks in Europe for interlending services. The project arose from the Commission's call for ‘declaration of interest’ in pilot or demonstration projects designed to promote competitiveness and develop the information service market in Europe. It predates the ‘Plan of Action for Libraries in the European Community’, but subscribes to the objectives and action lines included in it.
TECHLIBplus: overview of the new system from Information Dimensions
Authors: Leeves Juliet
Published: February 2008

TECHLIBplus is an application of BASISplus, the new text retrieval system launched in the UK by Information Dimensions in April 1990 to replace BASIS. Among the new features of BASIS‐plus are a relational architecture and realtime updating of files. Like its forerunner, TECHLIB/STACS (described in VINE 74), TECHLIBplus can either run alongside a BASISplus system, or can operate as a stand‐alone system. There are a number of new features in TECHLIBplus, and an underlying change of design in that the new system operates on a single, unified database. The following article concentrates particularly on these new features.
Equilibrium at the Home Office
Authors: Callow Martin
Published: February 2008

Assiduous followers of automated library systems may remember Adlib‐2, running under UNIX and based on the INFORMIX relational database management system. I am happy to report that its metamorphosis into Equilibrium is well advanced.
Subject searching on OPACs: problems and help provision
Authors: Slack Fran
Published: February 2008

The need for subject access on OPACs has been widely recognised since their early development in the USA (Markey, 1984; Matthews, 1985b). Many OPACs in UK academic libraries provide subject access to catalogue records, mostly through search strategics such as keyword access or subject headings searches. However, users do find subject searching more difficult than known‐item searching (Markey, 1985; Bagnall and Jeffreys, 1986) so most OPAC systems provide help screens to assist users in their searches.
DYNIX to LIBERTAS:
Authors: Dye Juliet
Published: February 2008

In July, 1989, permission was given by the Department of Education and Science (DES) for the merger on 1 April, 1990, of Harrow College of Higher Education (HCHE) with the Polytechnic of Central London (PCL).
CEC and libraries: an assortment of projects & studies
Authors: Manson Pat
Published: February 2008

Though the Call for Proposals for projects under the libraries programme has only just been launched (July, 1991), the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) has for the past three years been supporting a number of projects which provide essential preparatory work and support for eventual projects under the programme. There is a popular myth that CEC actions are shrouded, if not in secrecy, then in an impenetrable fog of bureaucracy. However, for all work funded or supported by the CEC, dissemination is regarded as a high priority. Indeed, all projects have a contractual obligation to disseminate information about their projects and their results as widely as possible.
OPAC at the Home Office using Equilibrium
Authors: Callow Martin
Published: February 2008

The Home Office library is a multi‐site library in central London serving the information needs of ministers and staff in both the Home Office and the Northern Ireland Office. It contains 43,000 monographs, 4000 current journal titles and has a staff of 22.
Automating inter‐library loans at Birmingham University Library: BLCMP's ILL module
Authors: Killeen Martin , Shoebridge Michele
Published: February 2008

The Birmingham University Library contains over 1.7 million items and has 26,000 registered borrowers. It has a staff of over 130 and serves a user population of over 10,000 full time students and 1,500 academic and research staff. Around 26,000 new volumes are added to the collection annually. Current periodical subscriptions number over 4,000.
B + B (BEDIS and BLCMP)
Authors: Smith Kay
Published: February 2008

BLCMP (Library Services) Ltd. have been closely involved with the development of standards for the book trade since the initial formation of the Book Trade Electronic Data Interchange Standards (BEDIS) Committee in 1986. In particular, BLCMP have played a major role in the formation and promotion of standard formats for commercial messages, including orders, order acknowledgments, invoices and delivery notes.
CINDEX Online: Geac CIS in Camden
Authors: Hayes David
Published: February 2008

Camden rejected a viewdata solution to user information needs as being too highly structured in its approach and instead opted for a customised version of Geac's new Community Information System (CIS) based on that company's existing Local Information System software. Data from the authority's DataEase Adult Education database were incorporated into CINDEX (Camden Community Information Network Directory and Exchange) by uploading files from the former to the latter. A variety of online and offline methods of access and reporting are described.
The ‘Bibliographic Control’ of Learning Opportunities
Authors: Allred John
Published: February 2008

Increasingly, information about a wide range of learning opportunities is being made available on public access computer systems. Allred argues the case for bibliographic‐type standards for the control of the information stored and presented by such systems. The aim is to ensure full and comprehensive data, thereby avoiding confusion on behalf of the user, and to facilitate the transfer of information between systems.
Financial Records for Serials Using DataEase
Authors: Stephen Derek
Published: February 2008

A move from a global Library periodicals fund to departmental budget allocations caused Heriot‐Watt University Library to look for greater sophistication in financial recording. The coincidental purchase of DataEase, a PC‐based relational database management system, provided the solution. The features of DataEase are outlined and the manner in which it has been tailored to the financial control needs of Heriot‐Watt University Library serials system is described.
Information Retrieval Using The Great Dane
Authors: Burrell Robert , Mac Arthur Chris
Published: February 2008

The nature of the courses offered by Southampton Institute and the consequential variety of in‐house databases available meant that power and sophistication in information retrieval was a priority in the selection of an automated library management system. The solution was the purchase and installation of the Danish Supermax system which combines library housekeeping with powerful information retrieval: the background to the choice is described and the facilities offered outlined. The Institute is the first UK user of Supermax; there are, however, many installations throughout Europe.
Flexible Storage and Fast Retrieval
Authors: Henderson Jane
Published: February 2008

BRS/SEARCH is a popular text retrieval package often used in combination with other software such as library housekeeping and imaging systems. The author has had experience of using BRS/ SEARCH in a UNIX environment. The database and record structures, record storage and retrieval and input and output facilities of the system are described.
The Dynix PAC at Napier University of Edinburgh
Authors: Corrigan Lynn , Dunsire Gordon , Hamilton Gill , MacKillop Peigi
Published: February 2008

As well as the obvious application of access to the library's learning resources, Napier's OPAC is used to combat the problem of a three‐site university campus with no obvious social centre. This is being achieved by the availability across the network of information about clubs and societies and events; a question and answer facility aids communication amongst users as well as between users and staff. In addition a number of self‐service activities maybe performed by users of the system, including the placing and cancelling of reservations, the monitoring of personal information and the placing of advance bookings for short loan material.
Establishing Hypertext for User Education: one library's experience
Authors: Aynsworth Michael
Published: February 2008

A Nene College research project to investigate the potential for hypertext use in libraries involved the design and implementation of an interactive hypertext guide to the College library and its resources. The design constraints, the development of the project and the factors taken into consideration are described as are the facilities provided by the system.
Hypertext in UNICORN
Authors: Dimant Nick
Published: February 2008

Utilising BRS/Search software, hypertext search facilities are offered by Sirsi's UNICORN system through the standard OPAC and provide powerful retrieval capabilities even when accessing external databases which do not themselves offer hypertext searching. The fields and sub‐fields available for hypertext retrieval can be defined by the user. The article describes the hypertext functionality offered by the system.
The Isle of Wight County Library and Oracle Libraries: a user's view
Authors: Blackmore Tim
Published: February 2008

Fretwell‐Downing's UNIX‐based library package, Reflexion, now sold and marketed under the Oracle name, is installed in Isle of Wight County Libraries where it is used to service the County's 131,000 population. The functionality of the system is described in the article as well as the County's experiences and future plans.
The installation of BOOK Plus at the Bibliothèque Municipale de Villeneuve D'Ascq, France
Authors: Rich Marie‐Josée
Published: February 2008

Stowe Computing's BOOK Plus library housekeeping system has proved popular in France with well over twenty users at the time of writing. The public library authority at Villeneuve d'Ascq installed the system early in 1991, converting the existing database, including loan transaction information. Since then a number of modifications have been provided and more are planned for the future. The article describes some of the library's experiences with the system to date and outlines some of the functionality provided.
Plain SAILing with Swets
Authors: Russell Rosemary
Published: February 2008

The serials control package from Swets, SAILS, has been around for many years but has so far made little impact on the library automation market. The system originated on mainframe systems but has recently been rewritten for the PC market and is about to be marketed commercially for the first time. The article describes the background to the development of the SAILS and its functionality.
Networks, standards and end‐user information services
Authors: Dempsey Lorcan
Published: February 2008

With networking becoming ubiquitous amongst automated activities, the need for standards which ease the burden of accessing systems by end‐users of widely differing abilities is paramount. The development of network systems, particularly in relation to library activity, is outlined and some of the search tools and standards, both current and emerging, are described.
BUBL and the development of the UK LIS networking community
Authors: Nicholson Dennis
Published: February 2008

After a precarious early existence, BUBL came of age with the change of host from Glasgow to Bath. In the early days only available via JANET, BUBL is now accessible over the Internet using Internet protocols. The development of the service since its inception in 1990 is described, as are some of the technologies currently being utilised. Finally a glimpse of the future is revealed.
Networking in the DoE
Authors: Cree John Scott
Published: February 2008

The diverse and geographically dispersed departments at the DoE required an IT strategy which provided for flexibility in implementation and in the services supported but which also complied with budgetary and other constraints. The solution was an ICL NX UNIX implementation providing a series of LANs; the overall strategy and some of the currently installed applications are described.
EDILIBE project
Authors: Wiesner Margot
Published: February 2008

This article forms a revised and updated version of a lecture presented at the 59th IFLA Conference in Barcelona, 22–28 August 1993. The current flow of information in the acquisitions process is described, highlighting the duplication of effort involved; the ideal data flow is then presented. The aims of the EC‐funded EDILIBE project are reported, together with developments to date.
BLCMP and EDI why EDI?
Authors: Hendry Ian
Published: February 2008

Amongst the library systems suppliers, BLCMP have been at the forefront of EDI developments: some of the first UK libraries to install EDI software were their BLS system users. Two of the early users, the libraries of Birmingham University and West London Institute here present accounts of their experiences so far. Implementation of EDI ordering via BLS is described, together with its performance and effects on the acquisitions process. At the time of writing, there are now 21 libraries and 16 suppliers using BLCMP's EDI facilities.
Development of EDI acquisitions facilities in the ALS system
Authors: Ashton Jennet
Published: February 2008

ALS have been working on EDI developments since the 1980s. Several different options were considered before First Edition launched their service in the UK. Since this solution provided the necessary translation software, ALS were not required to write their own software to interface between TRADACOMS and the ALS data files, with resultant high costs. Having implemented the preferred solution in Hertfordshire Libraries, ALS are now considering the options for their users in mainland Europe. Future developments for libraries are reviewed and finally Martin Dudley of Hertfordshire provides a user perspective.
In at the deep end: a look at EDI from the bookseller's point of view
Authors: Scott Stephen
Published: February 2008

Holt Jackson have recognised the importance of EDI at an early stage. This article presents the standards issues from the book trade's point of view and describes Holt Jackson's use of the First Edition system. Some omissions in the TRADACOMS format are highlighted. The debate over who should be responsible for transmission charges is covered in the review of costs involved.
Document delivery: the UEA experience
Authors: Baker David , Ellery Ian , Reeman Iain , Wood Ann
Published: February 2008

This paper summarises the development, current position and future proposed enhancement of the University of East Anglia (UEA)'s electronic document delivery service. The service has been developed in conjunction with the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC) and began in September 1993. It now handles up to 20 documents a day, via the Library. It is hoped to transfer to desktop delivery, subject to copyright restrictions.
Project ION (Interlending Open Systems Network)
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: February 2008

The ION interlending project is due for completion in December 1994, having been extended from June of this year. This article presents the results to date of the project, as it nears its conclusion. Products developed by the three partners (LASER, Pica and SDB/SUNIST) in the course of the project are described and the resulting services are listed. The technical design of the systems in each of the three countries involved is covered in some detail.
BIDS and BODOS — whence and whither: the background to and the development of the BIDS Bibliographic Services and the BIDS Online Document Ordering Service
Authors: Smethurst Barry
Published: February 2008

This article first looks at the Bath Information and Data Services (BIDS) online bibliographic services from the point of view of the computing personnel who have developed and run the service. It examines the way in which librarians have worked with the BIDS personnel in the design and development of the services. It then looks, also from a computing perspective, at the role of librarians in those areas of the rapidly changing information world with which BIDS is concerned. It is in this latter context that the background to, the development of, and the future environment for, the BIDS Online Document Ordering System (BODOS) are explored.
The LIBERTAS ILL module
Authors: Bradford Jean
Published: February 2008

Although the ILL Department at Bristol University Library would like to have automated procedures before the LIBERTAS ILL module became available in 1991, they decided that the advantages of integration outweighed the disadvantages of the wait. Some of the benefits of the system are considered, such as user self‐requesting, although this carries the attendant problem of copyright. Several areas for improvements are suggested, particularly regarding ARTTel communication with BLDSC.
The information bottleneck — electronic copyright issues
Authors: Norman Sandy
Published: February 2008

Copyright is frequently mentioned at library IT conferences as a slight problem to be overcome. Instead, this article affirms that it is a major impediment which affects all players in the electronic information chain. Problems are reviewed both from the point of view of information professionals and copyright holders. The author suggests that librarians could take on the role of ‘emulsifier’ in mixing copyright and information.
Anglia Connect: a Norfolk perspective
Authors: Robbins Miriam
Published: February 2008

Anglia Connect was set up initially as a pilot scheme in April 1992. It provides an interlending network between the Public Library Authorities of Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. This article describes the background to the system and the logistics of its operation. The statistics show that it provides an effective local service at relatively low cost.
OCLC interlending and document delivery services
Authors: Mitchell Janet
Published: February 2008

OCLC provides inter‐library lending facilities for participating libraries in 52 countries worldwide via the OCLC PRISM ILL system. This service can be used to borrow monographs and serial articles from either participating OCLC libraries or document suppliers. Enhancements to the PRISM system currently being implemented are described. FirstSearch document delivery options and electronic journal services are outlined, together with OCLC's plans for providing integrated access to these and ILL services.
Inter‐library loans management with CAIRS at the Institution of Electrical Engineers
Authors: Bennett Ginny , Tomlinson Janet
Published: February 2008

An article in VINE 91, June 1993, dealt with the lEE's use of CAIRS‐LMS for serials management. This article treats their inter‐library loans operation. Prior to using the CAIRS module, ILL administration was purely manual; due to an increase in volume of requests, it was decided to automate. It was preferable to use a system which was integrated with the other IEE library modules so the choice of CAIRS was without question. The increasing integration of ILL with the other modules is welcomed by the library.
The EUROPAGATE project
Authors: Ó Ciardhuáin Séamus
Published: February 2008

The EUROPAGATE project aims to construct a gateway system which will allow end users of library catalogue servers to access servers which are based on different protocols, and to provide a service using electronic mail to those users who would otherwise be unable to access the catalogues. It will also provide value‐added services such as data format conversion.
Integrating Z39.50/SR into LIBERTAS
Authors: Kinsella Janet
Published: February 2008

SLS has been involved in the development of the SR/Z39.50 protocol via the UK Pre‐Implementors‘ Group. It is one of the first UK companies to offer a Z39.50 client. This article concentrates on the impact of users’ needs on the design of the client. There is also a short section on SLS' Z39.50 server, which was launched in January 1995; a local database server will be made available in Summer 1995, which will allow LIBERTAS customers to open up access to their own bibliographic records via Z39.50/SR.
The DBV‐OSIII project: open communication between library and information retrieval systems
Authors: Luchner Bernd
Published: February 2008

DBV‐OSI II addresses the problem of access to multiple independent, non‐communicating union catalogues and databases in Germany. It seeks to improve the situation for end users by offering seamless access to a range of local and remote services, using a SR/Z39.50 application. Interlibrary loan and document delivery will be addressed in the second phase of the project.
CROLIST: Croatian Library and Information System
Authors: Wilier Mirna
Published: February 2008

The CROLIST integrated library system was developed in‐house by the National and University Library in Zagreb to meet both its own needs and those of the wider library community in Croatia. It has been distributed to over 150 libraries in the country and an English language version is now available under the name of UNILIB. The article describes the standards on which the system is based and highlights key features of each module.
The use of hypertext in libraries in the United Kingdom
Authors: Furner‐Hines Jonathan , Willett Peter
Published: February 2008

This article presents a summary of the major findings of a survey of the use of hypertext systems and the production of hypertext products in UK libraries. Not surprisingly, academic libraries are found to be both the most enthusiastic users and producers. The survey concludes that there are normally four principal stages in a library's development of a hypertext system, although the possibility of leapfrogging via the World Wide Web is acknowledged.
The public library and the Information Superhighway
Authors: Dempsey Lorcan
Published: February 2008

The Information Superhighway is at this stage a vision, and not a reality; conduit, content and connectedness are discussed as the prerequisites for a high speed network, which is still some years away. Possible service scenarios for future networked public libraries are outlined, together with some current issues to be be solved. The importance of a shared view is emphasised.
BIBLIOFIL and the World Wide Web: IT in public libraries in Norway
Authors: Bjørvik Lill , Thori Kogstad Ola
Published: February 2008

The BIBLIOFIL library management system is widely used by public libraries throughout Norway. The supplier, Bibliotek‐Systemer, recognised the importance of making public library catalogues available on the Internet. After considering the alternative of Z39.50/SR, it was decided to implement http, the World Wide Web protocol to enable catalogue access. In the first month, three BIBLIOFIL libraries have already made their collections available and many more look set to follow.
Pilot trial of Blackwell's UnCover database
Authors: Dade Penny
Published: February 2008

In response to the perceived need for an extra quick document delivery service to the University of Hertfordshire's research and academic staff, Library and Media Services began an investigation into available options. The result was a one‐year trial of the UnCover service, which began in August 1994. The article describes how UnCover is being used currently, including one of its most useful services (Reveal), and presents some preliminary feedback and results.
Keeping the threads together: use of the World‐Wide Web at the University of Exeter Library
Authors: Myhill Martin , Davies Roy , Salter David , Tilsed Ian
Published: February 2008

The principal organisational issues relating to the creation, validation and maintenance of the University of Exeter's Web site are discussed from the viewpoint of the University Library. Important issues include the effective allocation of responsibility, the timely formation of working groups, and the fostering of a spirit of cooperation amongst all departments and services responsible for providing or authorising information. Given the Web's popularity amongst users and the wealth of opportunities it provides for the dissemination of information, the commitment to its development already shown by library staff must continue.
The University of Oslo's Informatics Library and the World‐Wide Web
Authors: Hegna Knut
Published: February 2008

It is common for libraries to develop Web sites for the provision of access to resources stored on remote systems: the priority of the University of Oslo's Informatics Library, in contrast, is to use Web functionality to place as many as possible of its own services on the desktop of its users. Through a combination of email and Web interfaces with the Library's bibliographic catalogue, classification scheme and housekeeping system, users can search databases, browse indexes, view loan information, display full texts and order documents directly from their Web browser. Other facilities include a clickable floor‐plan, and direct Web access to faculty, university and national OPACs.
The World‐Wide Web and Z39.50: which way for libraries?
Authors: Joy Finbarr , Murray Robin
Published: February 2008

The function of the World‐Wide Web, like that of Z39.50, is to offer access to networked information; and the client/server architectures of the two systems might appear similar. So why should libraries need both? The answer lies in the WWW's lack of support for the advanced search, retrieval and management facilities that are expected of modern OPACs — and that are also offered by Z39.50. Much current research, therefore, is involved in developing hybrid WWW/Z39.50 services.
Dynix's NetPublisher: Web publishing for libraries
Authors: Behrend Peter
Published: February 2008

There are various types of material that a library may wish to publish on the Web: promotional literature, catalogues of audiovisual collections, and community information systems based on clickable images and maps are common examples. All present problems relating to information‐management and information‐retrieval issues that standard software packages have difficulty in addressing. Dynix's NetPublisher is presented here as a solution to such problems.
World‐Wide Web searching tools: an evaluation
Authors: Winship Ian R
Published: February 2008

Many tools exist to provide subject access to information stored on the Web. These include both automatic search engines such as ‘crawler’ programs and manually‐created subject indexes. In this article, four search engines and two subject collections with a search facility are compared in terms of their content, interface, search features, output and performance. For comprehensive searches of Web material, no single tool was found to be satisfactorily effective, and doubts remain as to whether such tools can yet be incorporated in the mainstream of online searching.
My life since VINE
Authors: Bramall Phil
Published: February 2008

Phil was the second VINE editor, responsible for producing issues 8 to 18. He has since left libraries and library automation and is now working with the charity Traidcraft. However, on hearing that VINE had reached 100 and of the plans for this issue, he sent his best wishes for the next hundred issues together with the following biographical notes which I'm sure will interest all his former colleagues and friends. We wish him well for the future.
Library systems then and now
Authors: Leeves Juliet
Published: February 2008

Juliet Leeves edited the four issues of VINE in 1989. She began her professional career in The British Library where she was involved in the development of MARC‐based services. She subsequently worked at the University of London, developing shared automated systems for the schools and colleges of the federal University. Since becoming freelance in 1983, she has worked for all types of library, primarily advising on the evaluation, selection and installation of library and information systems. She is also the author of several publications on library systems, including the popular “Library systems: a buyers guide”, the most recent version of which is published by LITC as “LIBSYS.UK: a directory of library systems in the United Kingdom”. In this article she reviews some of the developments in library systems over the years.
Exam Paper Finder: examination papers online at South Bank University
Authors: Wood Joanna
Published: February 2008

In her role as Information Officer at the Library Information Technology Centre, Jo Wood edited the 1990 issues of VINE. She has since worked on a freelance basis carrying out a range of short‐term projects including database applications, software directory compilation, data conversion and research. One of these projects was to develop and implement an on‐demand electronic delivery system for past examination papers at South Bank University Library. The following article is based on one previously published in VINE'S sister journal Library Technology News no 15, brought up to date by Catherine Hurst who is carrying the project forward.
Lost in gopherspace
Authors: Baker John
Published: February 2008

John took over editorship in 1992 at a time of major change for VINE. The decision to devote each issue to a particular theme as well as to include more European experiences required the editor to become an instant expert in the current topic, develop contacts across Europe, while still finding time to evaluate new systems hitting the market and keep up to date with the daytime soaps. His eight issues were characterised by a refreshing irreverent style and more than one reader has since asked “whatever happened to that Geordie bloke?” You are about to find out…
‘Network your CD‐ROMs in fifteen minutes’: a non‐library supplier solution to a library problem
Authors: Shepstone Jon
Published: February 2008

In common with most other libraries, the Kostoris Library at Christie Cancer Research Centre in Manchester, decided about 12 months ago to network their existing standalone CD‐ROM system. Not in common with most other libraries Christie decided to do it without the use of any specific CD‐ROM networking solutions designed for libraries. This article will describe why it went down this particular route and how successful it has been.
Electronic public information: an overview and checklist for EPI managers
Authors: Willoughby Steve
Published: February 2008

The word ‘system’ is one which has insinuated itself into our language during the past decade: we have hi‐fi systems, teeth cleaning systems, lighting systems and, as recently witnessed in a kitchen supplies shop, sets of nested saucepans described as ‘cookware systems’. Invariably the word system is used to describe an object of technology, but this is often a gross misrepresentation of its definition as ‘a set of connected things or parts that form a whole or work together’.
Towards the cyber‐library? The experience of Hertfordshire Libraries, Arts and Information in the provision of electronic public information and library services
Authors: Cross Andrew
Published: February 2008

With words such as Internet and ‘Information Superhighway’ now firmly established in the vocabulary of many of the UK's population, there is an increasing expectation from the customers of the library service that such technologies will be employed to provide answers to a wide range of questions. This article sets out the agenda of Hertfordshire Libraries, Arts and Information in relation to information provision, setting in context the selection of a new public information system, along with an evaluation of the current position of this service and the library resources catalogue. It will also provide a glimpse at possible future aims and objectives for these services.
Government information and the role of the CCTA
Authors: Fagg Ruth
Published: February 2008

The right choice of information technology can help to bring about major improvements in the presentation of information and delivery of services. This helps citizens to make informed decisions by providing access to information that is relevant, useful and understandable, offers them more choice and allows them to interact with government on their own terms. This article briefly considers how citizens can gain direct access to government information and services via kiosks. It looks at the issues from both a global and a UK perspective, describes CCTA's prototype Community Access Terminal and outlines the findings of the Kiosk Working Group. CCTA is part of the Office of Public Service. It is responsible for advising on the effective acquisition and use of information technology in government. It helps departments to develop innovative solutions to the problems of providing better access to information and improving service delivery at less cost.
Government information kiosks in the US and the Michigan Electronic Library
Authors: Davidsen Susanna L.
Published: February 2008

With the United States further along in terms of the use of IT for information provision, US information professionals have already addressed many of the issues that their UK counterparts are only recently facing. Perhaps we can look to their experiences for possible suggestions, as well as problem areas to avoid. Sue Davidsen is a 1995 recipient of the Paul W. Thurston Award for increasing access to government information through her role as creator and designer of GoMLink. In this article she outlines the history of the United States Postal Service kiosk project and the subsequent reaction of librarians, then goes on to describe the history of the Michigan Electronic Library, its development and strengths.
Internet or what?
Authors: Jupe John
Published: February 2008

In this article John Jupe confronts the current situation in information exchange and presents strong views on the practical and moral issues surrounding the development of an electronic public information policy for the UK.
When is a library not a library? When it is a cafe
Authors: Kerr Mark
Published: February 2008

Mark Kerr is one of the new generation of information professionals who straddles the dual services of library provision and Internet cafe. This article represents some of his views on the future of library provision in the light of the Internet cafe. He describes the current state of public Internet access, charts the rise of the cybercafe and compares public libraries and Internet cafes as a source of access to electronic public information.
Legal issues for providers of electronic information services
Authors: Sturges Paul
Published: February 2008

The organisers of the annual Electronic Public Information Provision seminar at Loughborough University regularly ask participants about the topics they would wish to be included in the programme. Among the topics they most frequently ask for are copyright and other legal issues. This article is a version of a presentation given at the 1995 seminar, held on 19 September. It is intended to provide a kind of checklist of the relevant issues, with some indication of how providers, and those such as librarians who feed information into their services, can avoid embarrassing and possibly costly mistakes. One thing it is certainly not about, is how to win spectacular lawsuits; it is intended to suggest how difficult situations can be avoided by anticipating them. The viewpoint is that of an [informed] layperson, not a lawyer. When decisions on really contentious matters need to be made it is important to consider taking professional advice.
Decision support systems: an overview
Authors: Adams Roy
Published: February 2008

The pressure on libraries to deliver defined services to a high level of efficiency have never been greater. Libraries are feeling the impact of increased use, restricted resources and more accountability. These are overlaid with the development of new technologies which are beginning to provide alternative delivery mechanisms on the one hand and the first real competition to libraries as organisations on the other. The basic premise that libraries are ‘a good thing’ is now coming under question as potential users see new possibilities for information, education and leisure. To meet these challenges and to set new directions requires a range of skills, one of which is the development of improved decision‐making.
DECIDE: decision support models and a DSS for European academic and public libraries
Authors: Davies Robert
Published: February 2008

In this article Robert Davies outlines the aims of the European Commission supported Project DECIDE. He describes the Project stages, analyses the work to date — the activities undertaken and ‘deliverables’ produced by DECIDE — and discusses the preliminary findings regarding both user and technical requirements.
The DECIMAL Project: decision‐making and decision support in small to medium size libraries
Authors: Oulton Tony , Fisher Shelagh , Lambert Siân , Willson Jonathan
Published: February 2008

The aim of the DECIMAL Project is to produce an integrated Decision Support Module for library management systems. This is being developed from an assessment of the needs and practices of library managers in small to medium size libraries in the UK, Spain and Italy. The Project, which commenced in February 1995, comprises four Phases — Management, Research, Technical Development and Evaluation. The objectives and structure of the Project are described, with an account of progress in the technical development to date and a summary of the findings of the Research Phase. The Module is being developed to incorporate both textual and numeric information to support the decision process.
EQLIPSE: Evaluation and Quality in Library Performance: System for Europe
Authors: Brophy Peter , Wynne Peter
Published: February 2008

The authors locate the EQLIPSE Project in the context of the growing interest in the application of performance measurement and quality assurance techniques to libraries. The EQLIPSE consortium is described, and the main works which informed the Project's design are enumerated. The six workpackages of the Project are outlined, followed by details of progress to date. Of the completed workpackages, the first resulted in a deliverable report defining user requirements. The output from the second was an initial functional specification for the EQLIPSE system. In the second phase of the Project a prototype system was developed and data collection procedures were defined. The prototype was tested in July 1996 and amended accordingly. EQLIPSE is to be one of four Projects in the EC Concerted Action CAMILE; the purpose and aims of which are described.