Feature Articles
The Automated Authority Subsystem at the
National Library of Canada (p.279-298)
EDWIN J. BUCHINSKI, WILLIAM L. NEWMAN, AND MARY JOAN DUNN
This paper describes the automated authority system at the National Library of Canada. The system incorporates features such as the ability to control bilingual headings, and the ability to store and control authorities for multiple applications and libraries. Advantages of the automated authority system are reported. Implications of enhancements to the system with respect to potential or actual systems and services including MARC distribution, CONSER, the Canadian Union Catalogue, and shared cataloging will be discussed in a future article.
The Future of Cable Communications in Libraries
(p.299-317)
BRIGITTE L. KENNEY
Many libraries are using video and cable communications to reach clients with both traditional and innovative services. Cable technology, the regulatory framework, and the cable industry's economic situation are examined. Examples are given of current library cable activities. It is proposed that libraries engage in informational activities using the cable which are different from those presently undertaken. Information for daily coping, for self-fulfillment, for formal and informal adult learning can be disseminated via cable, provided that librarians acquire the necessary skills to reshape their services and continue to participate in the shaping of a viable cable communications system for the country.
An Improved Title Word Search Key for Large
Catalog Files (p.318-327)
LAWRENCE K. LEGARD AND CHARLES P. BOURNE
The title discrimination performance of the 3,1,1,1 title search key was tested on MARC monograph record files ranging in size from 30,000 to over 500,000 records. A new title search code, 4,2,2,2 with modifications, was tested with the same range of file sizes and found to provide significant improvements in performance. Data were also obtained from full title searching to find the upper limit of performance that is possible with title word search keys.
System to Manage Reserve Texts (SMART) (p.328-334)
PALADUGU V. RAO AND CAROLE B. JONES
SMART is a batch processing system developed at Eastern Illinois University to handle technical processing of the reserve materials. Using punched card input, the system generates all necessary catalogs and reports for use of the reserve collection. In operation since 1973, SMART has proved that it can do what it was designed to do with efficiency and effectiveness.
Patron Appraisal of Computer-Aided On-Line
Bibliographic Retrieval Services (p.335-350)
RYAN E. HOOVER
The results of a patron assessment of computer-aided on-line bibliographic retrieval services in the Marriott Library at the University of Utah are analyzed and discussed. Cost effectiveness of on-line searching and data base use frequencies and patterns are also briefly discussed.