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In the past few years significant changes in computer technology have taken place. The development of the mini and micro computer for business applications has occurred in the past five years. New mass storage devices, faster central processing units and more sophisticated input/output devices have also been developed recently. These technological developments have fostered further use of the computer in the management of physical distribution operations. This paper describes the nature of the changes in distribution operations and in the distributions manager's use of the computer to control distribution activities. The survey reported in this paper explores the changes in the use of the computer to control all distribution management activities. Comparisons are drawn with a similar survey conducted in 1972. The paper also presents more detailed information about the use of the computer as a diagnostic and planning tool than has been presented before.

Highlights the evolution and potentiality of electronic books (eBooks) and presents a comprehensive definition from the various definitions reported for eBooks and their types, the pros, cons and users. Available eBook hardware, such as Rocket eBook Reader, SoftBook Reader, EveryBook Dedicated Reader and Millennium eBook Reader; software, viz. Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Reader, Glassbook Reader, DocAble, SoftBook Reader, RocketLibrarian, PeanutReader, etc. is listed together with sources for eBook titles. Also briefly discusses eBook standards and copyright protection. Concludes that eBooks are rapidly becoming a viable alternative over the traditional medium and will continue to stay in one form or another.

Beginning with a detailed analysis of 24 published surveys and programmes of library and information science curricula from 1969–1975, the article discusses the professional continuity in changing courses. A particular problem is maintaining the identity of ‘core studies’ in professional curricula. The content and objectives of computer courses are listed and discussed. The coverage of the author's own survey is explained. All 17 schools in the U.K., 1 in Dublin and 13 in eastern U.S.A. and Canada were visited in 1978 involving interviews with over 130 people individually or in groups. Ten schools overseas provided further data in questionnaires. The results of the survey begin by summarising the various stated objectives for computer courses. There follows a review of the structure of such courses and the views on options in this subject. Outlining the titles, content, duration and staffing, the article reviews, with supporting tables, courses for computer appreciation, programming and library automation. Separate tables and commentary cover the data from the questionnaires. In the conclusions, it is emphasised that computing is now an essential part of professional education, though how much and for whom is not yet decided. Advanced courses will soon be needed for those wishing to specialise.

Considers what the NeXT computer can offer libraries as an alternative to conventional mainframe‐PC‐terminal systems for sorting, storing, and displaying bibliographic information. Discusses the NeXT computer hardware, software, the idea of a library workstation, and the promise of the Digital Librarian utility. Surmises that, despite criticisms of cost, NeXT offers the possibility of a transformation in the way bibliographic information is handled by both patrons and staff.

Describes the basic components and background knowledge needed to set up a networked CD‐ROM system. Tests various products that can be used to share CDs on a local area network, these fall into three categories: hardware – Meridian Data, SilverPlatter and CBIS; operating systems – LANtastic; and software – OptiNet.

This study was conducted to investigate the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in special libraries in Kerala, India.

The following methods were used to collect data for the study: questionnaire survey of librarians and library users, semi‐structured interviews with librarians, and observational visits in the libraries. This study was confined only to the automated special libraries in Kerala.

The analyses revealed that though the libraries had hardware, software, and communication facilities to some extent, ICT‐based resources and services were not reaching the users to the expected extent. Library automation in special libraries in Kerala was largely commenced during the period 1990‐2000. CDS/ISIS was used more in the libraries than any other software. The library catalogue found to be the most popular area for automation. The ICT‐based resource used by the largest percentage of the users was the e‐mail. Most of the libraries were hampered by lack of funds, lack of infrastructure, and lack of skilled professionals to embark on automation of all library management activities and application of ICT. A good number of the library users were not satisfied with the application of ICT in their libraries and indicated “inadequate ICT infrastructure” as their major reason for dissatisfaction. They proposed a variety of measures of formal orientation and training on ICT to become more effective users.

The study provides recommendations to enhance library automation and effective and efficient application of ICT.

The thrust of management information system (MIS) operations is to keep an information system running smoothly and to ensure services are delivered in an uninterrupted, reliable and secure fashion. This poses a special challenge in today′s environment of computer misuses. Focuses on four main areas normally addressed when protecting a company′s most vital asset – its database. These are: information system vulnerability; computer crime; employee access; and personnel policies. Examines research pertaining to safeguarding data, software and hardware from deliberate computer‐based information security breaches.

Reviews current software and hardware as it relates to distribution systems. Presents an organizing framework in order to identify the impact of technological innovations on firms operating in lesser‐developed countries as they consider adoption of such innovations. Discusses the choice between new technologies and the continued use of unskilled labour. Suggestions are made for LDCs concerning the continued balance of competitive advantage.

Examines some of the improvements in personal computer software in recent years and the uptake of this technology in the surveying industry. Discusses the extent to which bespoke software systems have found acceptance in the industry and points to the greatly increased professional familiarity with generic software systems and its effect on valuation activities. Stresses the importance of user involvement in the system development process. Suggests that many problems with computing stem from an unwillingness to be involved in the developmental process.

This paper presents the findings based on a survey conducted to examine the status and extent of the use of computer‐based technology (CBT) to support “quality”, including such aspects as quality control, quality assurance and quality management, in Hong Kong. Five main categories of CBTs, namely decision support systems (DSSs), group support systems (GSSs), executive information systems (EISs), expert systems (ESs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs), in support of quality are surveyed. The survey findings indicate that CBT usage to support quality in Hong Kong is low, particularly ESs and ANNs. This is partly due to a lack of awareness regarding the potential of CBTs in supporting quality among their potential users, and partly because of a lack of availability of suitable software to support their use. This paper represents a first attempt to examine the real‐life use of CBTs in support of quality. Based on the research findings, we have identified several opportunities for further research and suggested a number of research directions for CBTs to support “quality”in practice.