Overall trends in the turnkey system market are described. These include tendencies toward greater functional integration, improved user interfaces, and shared facilities linking many libraries together in a single system. The role of bibliographic utilities is also briefly explored.
Advice is given on ways to structure the training sessions.
Particular attention is paid to personnel considerations and the important qualities of the training coordinator. The problem of developing reasonably comprehensive documentation is also discussed. Suggestions for reducing labor costs, improving accuracy, and maximizing computer use are presented. At the same time, libraries should be aware of regional, state, and national plans for resource sharing prior to engaging in conversion projects in the first place. The circulation librarian is the key person in this communications effort.