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Companies that supply libraries with automation technology are part of the computer‐industry marketplace. However, vendors that serve the library component of this marketplace face problems not typical of the industry as a whole. Significant and unique problems include the protracted selection processes employed by libraries, the very slow and drawn‐out payment cycles, the dependence of the libraries on vendors, and the adversarial relationships that frequently exist between the libraries and vendors. These, and related issues, are discussed by representatives of eight prominent automation firms: Joseph R. Matthews (INLEX), James J. Michael (Data Research Associates), Harry Porteous (Geac), Gene Robinson (CLSI), Stephen R. Salmon (Carlyle), Stephen Silberstein (Innovative Interfaces), Phyllis Bova Spies (OCLC Local Systems), and Harriet Valázques (Utlas).

Representatives of six prominent library system vendors—Joseph R. Matthews (Inlex), Mike Monahan (Geac), Kelvin Browne (Utlas), Carl Lee (VTLS), Michael J. Mellinger (Data Research) and Stephen R. Salmon (Carlyle)—address the key issues related to system performance. From their experiences and perspectives as vendors, they address the issues of 1) designing, configuring and sizing systems, 2) the establishment of performance criteria, 3) the use of benchmark and acceptance tests, 4) the risks of miscalculations, 5) the roles of the vendor, consultant and library, and 6) related topics.

Standards are important in all areas of library automation. Standards will facilitate the linking of different types of systems within one library as well as systems that perform similar functions in different libraries. Stephen Salmon (Carlyle), George Sidman (INLEX), Richard Woods (Biblio‐Techniques), Mike Monahan (Geac), Richard Goldberg (CLSI), Stephen M. Silberstein (Innovative Interfaces), and M.E.L. Jacob (OCLC) express their views on existing standards, and the need for and probable course for developing additional standards.

The reasons for using the services of a library automation consultant are numerous, but the key reason is to obtain help—expertise—not already available in the library staff. When a decision to use a consultant is made, the consultant should be identified, selected, and hired through a careful review process. Not all consultants are equal in ability or share the same areas of expertise. Once a consultant is hired, the library must continuously evaluate the consulting process and provide feedback to the consultant so that necessary adjustments can be made. This symposium presents the related insights and perspectives of both librarians and library system vendors.

A request for proposals (RFP) may be required by purchasing laws and regulations of a local jurisdiction. A library may choose to use the RFP to determine the capabilities and limitations of a number of possible systems. However, the RFP can be badly conceived, constructed, and applied, resulting in few responses by vendors and disappointment, lost time, and wasted resources for the library. Advice is presented on when to use the RFP, how to construct it, and how to use it to achieve maximum success: selection and implementation of the product that best meets a library's specific needs.

The characteristics and advantages of database machines are summarized, and the application of database machines to library functions is described, noting the ability to attach multiple hosts to the same database, as well as flexibility in choosing operating and database management systems for different functions without loss of access to a common database. See also a related article in the previous issue of Library Hi Tech.

The Online Multiple User System (TOMUS) is an integrated turnkey library system, consisting of both hardware and software. It is modular, operating on multiple microprocessors combined in a unique and efficient manner. Downtime is minimized. Performance can be optimized by positioning additional processors to support specific library functions that require additional computing capacity. Online catalog, cataloging and authority functions are currently supported. Circulation software will be released in late 1986. Other modules will follow soon.

Six vendors discuss the issues that most affect their role in the implementation of integrated systems within libraries. Major areas of concern include: 1) expectations versus reality, 2) the nature of the vendor‐library relationship, and 3) the challenges of incorporating new technology and standards.

Representatives of five prominent library integrated system vendors—M.E.L. Jacob (OCLC), Joe Matthews (Inlex), Mike Monahan (Geac), Gene Robinson (CLSI), and Steve Salmon (Carlyle)—express their views on ethics and the marketplace. The need for ethical behavior by all sectors of the marketplace—librarians, consultants, and vendors—is emphasized and illustrated. Four sidebars are included: one addresses the need for customer data rights standards; others contain the code of ethics/practice issued by three professional organizations for consultants.

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