Page 155 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Library Automation

Notes title lists changed frequently, causing significant cataloguing backlogs and inaccurate links that
were frustrating to users. Other libraries created html lists of electronic journals and databases
rather than catalogue records. As databases and electronic journals proliferated, this task became
a time-consuming chore. In response to both the need for catalogue records and what were often
referred to as A-Z lists, vendors emerged that provided services that tracked the individual
electronic journals from databases and supplied MARC records for libraries to load into their
databases.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. Web-based electronic resources were widely available beginning in the mid
…………………….

2. One of the major developments during the 1960’s was …………………….
3. During the pilot project, the Library of Congress converted …………………… records.
4. …………………… was designed to serve as a communication or exchange medium.

5. Vendors developed Web-based versions of …………………… to satisfy the demand of
librarians, but these catalogues replicated text-based catalogues, which were in turn based
on the card catalogue.

8.2 Library Technical Services

Library Technical Services is responsible for acquiring and providing intellectual access to
collections in all formats and in dozens of languages for the libraries. Library technical services
are the processing and maintenance activities of a library’s collection. These include:
Identification: locating potentially worthwhile items to add to the collection.

Selection: deciding which of the identified items to add to the collection.
Acquisitions: securing the items for the collection.
Organization: indexing and cataloguing the items acquired in a manner that will aid the
end-user in locating materials in the collection.

Preparation: labelling, binding, repairing, conservation, and otherwise making items
ready for (and maintained during) storage in a manner that allows for easy retrieval and
maintenance of what is in a collection.
Technical services may also include: maintenance of online catalogues, creation and maintenance
of MARC records in the catalogue, labelling, covering, security processing, and/or distribution
of materials, maintaining a library’s technology resources, such as servers, OPACs, circulation,
scanners, and other devices.

8.2.1 Library Transition Processes Suitable for Automation

Moving from the non-automated system into the computerized system will require both planning
and long work hours from administration and staff. Ideally, community volunteers might be
recruited to assist the process in moving quickly and efficiently, particularly in relation to data
conversion. However, patron registration, installing software, staff training and system testing
are probably best left to internal sources.

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