Evolution of automation in a national library: the experience of the National Library of Scotland from 1978–1989

Abstract

This paper describes the three main phases of automation at the National Library of Scotland. During Phase I (1978–85) NLS was a member of the British Library's Local Cataloguing Service (LOCAS), submitting forms for keypunching prior to the production of a COM catalogue. During Phase II (1985—87) data was input online to the computer at NLS and then was transmitted to LOCAS. The use of the VTLS (Virginia Tech Library System) systems forms Phase III (1988—). The current applications, cataloguing (including downloading and authority control) and use of OPAC are discussed along with systems information. Future plans for automation in NLS are listed.

Citation

Frederick Guy, R. (1990), "Evolution of automation in a national library: the experience of the National Library of Scotland from 1978–1989", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047045