http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/5295562

Library networks, 1976-77

Some 25 library networks in the United States now rely on computers for resource sharing. Library functions that best lend themselves to automated network operation include: cataloging, acquisitions, interlibrary loan, and reference. Progress over the last ten years in collecting and standardizing machine-readable data for library applications forms a basis for networking, but work remains to be done in this area. The oldest and largest of the networks, the Ohio College Library Center (oclc), now has over 700 on-line users. Given the existence and extent of oclc the new emphasis of the Library of Congress, a national network becomes conceivable. In the commercial sector, on-line services have grown rapidly in the reference field and are becoming established for cataloging and processing. Combining different types of libraries as well as public and private entities in a working system and achieving technical compatibility of the systems are major goals of prime importance to future national network development. Appended is a directory that gives the name, location, telephone number, administrator, status, and plans of the 25 networks and lists network members. (Pf).

Open All Close All