Feature Articles
File Size and the Cost of Processing MARC Records (p.1-12)
JOHN P. KENNEDY
Many systems being developed for utilizing MARC records in acquisitions and cataloging operations depend on the selection of records from a cumulative tape file. Analysis of cost data accumulated during two years' experience in using MARC records for the production of catalog cards at the Georgia Tech Library indicates that the ratio of titles selected to titles read from the cumulative file is the most significant determinant of cost. This implies that the number of passes of the file must be minimized and an effective formula for limiting the growth of the file must be developed in the design of an economical system.
Shawnee Mission's On-line Cataloging System (p.13-26)
ELLEN WASBY MILLER AND B. J. HODGES
An on-line cataloging pilot project for two elementary schools is discussed. The system components are 2740 terminals, upper-lower-case input, IBM's FASTER generalized software package, and usual cards/labels output. Reasons for choosing FASTER, software and hardware features, operating procedures, system performance and costs are detailed. Future expansion to cataloging 100,000 annual K-12 acquisitions, on-line circulation, retrospective conversion, and union book catalogs is set forth.
Personnel Aspects of Library Automation (p.27-37)
DAVID C. WEBER
Personnel of an automation project is discussed in terms of talents needed in the design team, their qualifications and organization, the attitudes to be fostered, and the communication and documentation that is important for effective teamwork. Discussion is based on Stanford University's experience with Project BALLOTS and includes comments on some specific problems which have personnel importance and may be faced in major design efforts.
RECON Pilot Project: A Progress Report, April-September 1970 (p.38-51)
HENRIETTE D. AVRAM AND LENORE S. MARUYAMA
A synopsis of the third progress report on the RECON Pilot Project submitted by the Library of Congress to the Council of Library Resources. An overview is given of the progress made from April through September 1970 in the following areas: RECON production, format recognition, research titles, microfilming, and investigation of input devices. In addition, the status of the tasks assigned to the RECON Working Task Force are briefly described.