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Erwin Welsch's article in the April OCLC Micro described an automated OCLC dial access procedure using an IBM XT, AT, or compatible, a Hayes 1200‐baud modem, and ProComm communications software. Using the command file and keyboard macro capabilities of ProComm, the procedure streamlines access to the OCLC On‐line Catalog and eases the pain of microcomputer‐to‐OCLC keystroke translation. Using Welsch's online catalog searching procedure as a model, we created an application for our interlibrary loan staff.

My article in the April 1987 OCLC Micro (pp. 23–26) described the use of the communications program ProComm to ease access to OCLC when dialing through a PC. It included a series of batch files and logon commands for speeding entry to OCLC and printing the results automatically.

In the classic film Citizen Kane, Orson Welles, after many re‐writings, began his newspaper career with a “Declaration of Principles” to serve readers as a promise or guide for the future. While perhaps not so lofty, this inaugural installment of my new regular column in OCLC Micro also seems an auspicious moment to outline my intentions for this column. Given the march, or run, of technology, perhaps this statement will end up shredded as Kane's did, but the opportunity to put on paper, particularly at the start of a decade, a few notes about microcomputer directions is irresistible.

Considers the resurgence in use of batch files due to the number of hard disk systems in operation, and the advantages batch files offer in additional software installation. Describes two batch file procedures, setting up a hard disk, and copying information into files. Surmises that use of batch files to automate setup and revision procedures is viable for library systems with a number of microcomputers.

In an announcement, Apple conceded that System 7.0, whose delay was suggested as likely in the previous column, would not appear until sometime during the first half of 1991. The delay was attributed to the need for quality assurance and high standards (MacWeek, 25 Sept. 1990, p. 1). Since many developers, commercial firms and users are waiting to use the new system's power and see how it will compare with the implementation of Windows and other graphic user interfaces, the continued delay was a disappointment.

The previous columns have discussed Macintosh basics and begun the examination of application programs, beginning with, perhaps the most important general application, word‐processing. This column will continue to provide information on System 7.0, briefly explore some other major application groups, and begin to look at the use of one of the Macintosh's most important applications, HyperCard. The discussion of applications will focus on those most frequently used or identified, by surveys or writers about the best products of the recent year articles, as the most significant.

In the first column of this series, I discussed the basics of using a Macintosh. In this one I will continue the discussion of printing, relate it to the new operating system (System 7.0), outline factors in the transition from a DOS‐based to a Macintosh‐based micro, and begin listing information sources about the Macintosh.

In the first installment of this three‐part examination of national networks for information access, I discussed some of the background and implications for librarians of this comparatively new use of technology. The following “dialog” uses specific searches I performed to illustrate the process.

In the first two columns of this series, I covered the basics of several Macintosh models, the importance of the various printing options, and the new System 7.0 due to be implemented in 1990. I also started listing sources of information about the Macintosh. This column will discuss briefly a new model of the Macintosh (IIfx) that appeared in April, start a series on application programs (beginning with wordprocessing), focus on some programs specifically useful in a library environment, and continue to list sources of information about the Macintosh.

More and more librarians are using micro‐computers for dial access to OCLC and other bibliographic or information databases. Because such access incurs telecommunications as well as other charges, frequently by the fraction of a second, it is important to keep online time as brief as possible. A microcomputer and some communications programs can help reduce these costs by keeping the interactive typing of information or commands to a minimum. Automated procedures help save significant amounts of staff time as well as reduce telecommunications and other costs.