Automation in the Archives: RLIN and the Archives and Manuscript Control Format

Be it in the circulation or the cataloging department, automation systems are now something that most libraries have begun to accept if not welcome. In particular, the reference departments of many academic libraries use computer systems to serve their patrons in new ways. Over the last several years, computer networks have had a big impact on how libraries operate. The oldest of these networks, or computer utilities as they are often called, is OCLC (originally the Ohio College Library Center, now known as the Online Computer Library Center). A variety of libraries--academic, public, and private--can utilize OCLC\u27s interlibrary loan system and also reduce their original cataloging workload by sharing all their records with each other

Creating NISO’s Library Physical Delivery Recommended Practices

The volume of materials shipped between libraries and branches has grown very quickly. This growth caused service and budget problems for libraries, library networks, and commercial couriers. NISO formed a working group comprised of practitioners from various types of libraries and systems to recommend practices to improve performance and reduce costs for moving physical materials between libraries. The recommended practices include an introduction and sections related to management, automation, the physical move, and the future. In addition to describing the recommended practices, the authors briefly review the cause of the growth in library delivery volume, i.e., the development of patronplaced hold capability in integrated library systems and the issues and reactions in the library delivery community resulting from the rapid growth, as well as prospects for a future with declining delivery volume

Retrospective Analysis and Prediction: Artificial Intelligence and Its Applications in Libraries

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought significant innovation to fundamental science and research in recent years. This paper briefly reviews and analyzes the findings of research and development of AI technologies such as expert systems, natural language processing, pattern recognition, robotics and machine learning in the fields of library such as information retrieval, reference service, cataloging, classification, acquisitions, circulation and automation. By reviewing and analyzing research papers published on respected academic journals, studying the examples and practical cases of the latest AI applications in industry, this study finds that current AI applications in the field of library are still in the narrow AI or weak AI called machine learning phase. However, the emerging technologies such as Biometrics Identification, Robotics, Deep Learning and Neural Networks have been used by libraries and library automation. In particular, this paper looks into the possibilities of the application of general AI or strong AI into the field of Information Retrieval

In Search of a New Model: Library Resource Sharing in China - A Comparative Study

This paper reviews the framework of library resource sharing (LRS) in China and examines, from a comparative perspective, cases of recent development, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s. Highlights include: (1) historical review of LRS in the U.S. and China, particularly in the areas of print union catalogs and union lists, online bibliographic utilities, and interlibrary loan; (2) literature review of Chinese publications, and LRS issues and challenges in China; (3) Analysis of three LRS models to provide a contextual grasp of a paradigm shift taking place in China; and (4) comparative analysis of LRS objectives, structure, and governance, etc., in the U.S. and China. The study also underscores the imperative for building a national digital library system in China to gain a competitive edge in resource sharing and to support the country’s rapid social and economic growth. At this stage of development, the success of China Academic Library & Information System provides a convincing argument for a national digital library system with its methods of governing, financing, and development