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Bibliographic Details
Format: Recurso educativo Open Access
Language:en
Published: 1989
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Online Access:https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED330334
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Table of Contents:
  • Feasibility Study for an Automated Library System. Final Report. Computer Software Selection Databases Evaluation Methods Feasibility Studies Foreign Countries Information Technology Integrated Library Systems Library Automation Library Networks Library Planning Library Research Library Services Needs Assessment Online Catalogs Public Libraries This study was initiated by the Newfoundland Public Library Services (NPLS) to assess the feasibility of automation for the library services and to determine the viability of an integrated automated library system for the NPLS. The study addresses the needs of NPLS in terms of library automation; benefits to be achieved through the introduction of automation; automation requirements and costs; cost of automating in relation to potential cost savings; staffing requirements for automation; and a recommended approach to automation. The report focuses on the following areas: (1) needs analysis (headquarters, technical services department, provincial reference and resource library, St. John's City (Newfoundland, Canada) libraries, regional libraries, books-by-mail); (2) functional requirements for the application software; (3) system options (technical requirements, software options, microcomputer equipment, estimated costs); (4) database creation and management (existing machine-readable records, options for catalogue maintenance with the integrated library systems, issues affecting the decision, estimated costs); (5) management of an automated library system (staffing, training, estimated costs); (6) the costs and benefits of library automation (quality of service to NPLS clientele, networking, efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of library routines, management information, cost-benefit analysis); and (7) a system development strategy and implementation plan. Conclusions and recommendations are provided in addition to tables and appendices related to the topical issues addressed in this report. (MAB)