Guest Editorial
Truth in Packaging, or How to Work with the Administration (p.87-88)
MURRAY S. MARTIN
Feature Articles
Data Element Statistics for the MARC II Data Base (p.89-100)
MARTHA E. WILLIAMS AND GORDON J. SHEFNER
The Information Retrieval Research Laboratory of the University of Illinois regularly calculates certain statistics associated with the MARC II data base. These are presented here for the benefit of other processors of this file. Statistics pertaining to data element occurrence, data element length, and distribution of records by Dewey Decimal division and Library of Congress class code are given. These statistics can be valuable in the preparation of user profiles and search strategies.
Automated Text Editing: The State of the Art and Its Implications for Libraries (p.101-116)
WILLIAM SAFFADY
This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of automated text-editing systems capable of more efficiently and effectively producing typewritten documents in libraries. Emphasis is placed on equipment configurations, recording/storage media, basic and special editing capabilities, and present and future trends.
Computer Simulation: A Tool for Analysis of Library Service (p.117-136)
MARY JANE POBST REED
This report describes a particular approach to a library problem: the utilization of computer simulation to provide data on how best to serve the citizens of the state of Washington through delivery of library materials by mail, with patrons ordering from a printed catalog of materials. Emphasis is on methodology rather than findings; investigative techniques of the study include literature search, on-site observations, personal interview, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling, as well as computer simulation. The computer-manipulated model is based on probability distributions, relationships between components in the system, and time sequencing.
ISDS, ISBD(S), and ISBD(M) as Cataloging Aids (p.137-144)
HENDRIK D. L. VERVLIET
The attempts of the International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) and the International Serials Data System (ISDS) to achieve internationally a greater compatibility of cataloging standards are criticized on two points: (a) the difficulty of automatic recognition of some of the fields; and (b) the difficulty of interfiling descriptions from the different standards into a consistent filing order.
Automated Network Catalog Products and Services (p.145-155)
MAURICE J. FREEDMAN
Four categories of automated network catalog products and services are examined. The advantages and disadvantages of (1) the on-line cathode-ray-tube (CRT) display, (2) the line-printer produced card, (3) the photo-composed book catalog or catalog card, and (4) computer-based microforms are all reviewed. Examples of actual library applications are given for each category.