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Microcomputers are increasingly being used in libraries and information units and this paper provides an overview of the software available for these applications. A description of a computer system's software is given as well as a checklist of points to consider when acquiring software. The available software is described under the headings of basic software, word processing software, database management systems, inhouse information retrieval software, software for assisting with the searching of external online information retrieval systems, inhouse library housekeeping software, and financial and management software. Many references are given as well as the names and addresses of organisations supplying software.

The six steps inherent to the development of an inhouse system are examined: 1) problem definition, 2) requirement specifications, 3) analysis and identification of alternatives and solutions, 4) design, 5) implementation, and 6) evaluation. A practical method for comparing and weighting options is illustrated and explained.

The task of inputting records into an inhouse database for use in instructing students and for research into retrieval techniques, is now assumed to be cheap and easy by means of record transfer from CD‐ROM. During a recent operation of this kind a number of unforeseen problems were encountered, and the whole operation required 20 sub‐operations. But the task was quite successful, so it was decided to retrace the steps and measure carefully the time taken and computer storage requirements needed.

The EDILIBE Project – Electronic Data Interchange for Libraries and Booksellers in Europe involved libraries and booksellers in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and the UK. It was a project funded by the European Union as part of the European Libraries Programme and ran from April 1993 to December 1995. This paper discusses the current role of an acquisitions librarian and outlines the ways in which electronic data interchange (EDI) can be used to assist in the management of acquisitions infor mation. Practical experiences gained in implementing EDI standards and developing suitable software during the EDILIBE project are described.

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Organizations need constant innovation to keep a competitive advantage. The current global marketplace is pushing organizations away from traditional inhouse development into looking externally for innovative solutions to keep them at the top.

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Lancaster University began a programme of retrospective catalogue conversion in 1990, initially using data from BNB on CD‐ROM, and more recently Library of Congress CDMARC Bibliographic. Records are downloaded in custom format (rather than MARC), and inhouse programs convert the data to the Lancaster catalogue format, and update the catalogue and related indexes. The proportion of library stock in full machine‐readable form has increased from 30 per cent in December 1990 to 72 per cent in July 1994. This article reports on technical details of the procedure, and implications in terms of staffing arrangements, work patterns, success rates, costs, and quality considerations.

The purpose of this project was to develop a systematic, objective procedure to evaluate the potential to outsource functions and activities currently performed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD). A computer-based model was developed which evaluates the qualitative and cost aspects of contracting out activities and functions. The model was applied to three activities in the LaDOTD; highway markers, highway striping, and maintenance of rest areas. The results were in line with the expectations of officials who have experienced actual outsourcing of these activities. The model was constructed so that the perspectives it considers and the criterion on which outsourcing is assessed may be altered by the user to allow its use in a variety of settings.

As a leading company in the maufacture of paints and specialist coatings, ICI Paints World Group turnover in 1986 was more than £1260 million. To achieve and maintain its position, the company uses computer power to maximum advantage.

The practical issues associated with digitisation in the hybrid library context are discussed, based on work undertaken by the BUILDER Project in delivering two products: a pilot Electronic Key Texts service and a digital back‐run of the scholarly journal Midland History from 1971‐1998. In analysing document attributes, digitisation options, archival and delivery formats and detailing specific costs, there are two key lessons identified. Firstly, that scanning is only one stage in a complex workflow of inter‐related activities involved in delivering a digital resource; and secondly that costs need to be monitored as these can accrue very quickly due to the intensive use of staff resource involved in developing digitisation products. It rests with library managers to define where digitisation fits into their institutions, if at all, based on local needs and the collections they manage.

InfoTrac is a laserdisc system that provides local access to IAC's periodical databases. The system employs an IBM PC microcomputer, a Hewlett‐Packard Thinkjet printer, and a Pioneer videodisc player. It offers many of the advantages of online searching at a predictable cost.