Showing papers in "Technical Services Quarterly in 1985"

Never Read Any Book That is Not a Year Old

Abstract: Analyses the effect upon libraries and the book trade of the Supreme Court decision (439 US 522) which, in essence, stated that inventories were not tax-deductible at rates different from their market value. The "Thor" decision has led to publishers being reluctant to maintain stocks of unsold books. The change in a forprofit industry (publishing) affects a non-profit sector (libraries). The author calls for more mutual understanding between these two sectors, and suggests methods for libraries to maintain healthy collections in the face of the realities of the publishing industry.

Supply-Side Measurement

Abstract: Supply-side measurement-based on the tendency in a free market for supply to follow directly on the heels of demand allows the collection development officer to apportion the urban public library's book budget allocations to the price factored book title output of the book industry. Although supply-side measurement by no means constitutes as "hard" a formulation as does Clapp- Jordan, it does furnish the public library a means of deducing from a closed system-the supply-demand curve-incremental changes that occur in the price inflationary rate and book title output in various subjects, and thus provides a means-impossible to traditional measures and formulations such as use and user studies, previous expenditures, community analysis--of creating book collections that are attuned to the probable book seeking trend of the general population.

A Room of Their Own

Abstract: Discusses rationale for a public library board's decision to construct a room to house patron computers, the chronology for construction, physical characteristics of the room, computer hardware, coin-op devices, computer software, user guidelines, patron scheduling, fee structure, staffing, patron orientation, the library's role vis-a-vis patron computers, mistakes made, future plans. Appendices include annotated lists of patron software, guidelines, orientation outline, responsibility statement, introductory brochure.

Online Catalogs for and by Librarians

Abstract: Databases are replacing card catalogs and printed indexes, and although libraries and publishers have had access to the same technology, automation has proceeded at different rates and in different directions. The online catalog, produced by member libraries, differs from the bibliographic databases, published by indexing and abstracting services, in production, design, subject access, and search language. Both serve their primary purposes, but the online catalog cannot remain a "librarian's database" and must break with the traditions of the card catalog for the sake of technology and the library user.

Ellectronic Transmission in Acquisitions Systems

Abstract: The line between computing and communication is blurring. Integrated and distributed systems proliferate. Acquisitions systems will be talking more to each other and to other systems in the future. Electronic communication in collection development, new title announcement, order placement, claiming, and receiving is discussed. Recent history in electronic order transmission is surveyed.

REMARC Retrospective Conversion: What, Why, and How

Abstract: The University of California at Riverside has been using the Carrollton Press REMARC program for retrospective conversion since March 1983. This article outlines the contents of the REMARC records and the extent of the REMARC database. An explanation is given on how the REMARC method of conversion allows maximum use of a student workforce at UCR.

Assessing Bibliographic Utilities for Reference Use

Abstract: Many online services have become integrated into the reference setting, but until recently bibliographic utilities have offered little by way of assistance in promoting reference service. These systems were, initially, designed to assist in technical processing work (especially cataloging). This historical fact has prevented them from being viewed as essential or important to reference activities. In this paper the reference potential of utility services is outlined and issues relating to the integration of utility programs into reference work are addressed. Such an assessment, it is felt, can provide a framework for planning the appropriate reference service role for these systems.

Restructuring the Documents Function at a Major Research Library

Abstract: The establishment of a new Documents Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign combining technical and public services functions is described. Planning, implementation, benefits, and problems encountered are outlined. Automated systems now available and those planned for the UIUC Library permit the new Documents Library to accomplish the processing efficiencies of centralization while still providing the advantages of decentralized access.