Microcomputers in special libraries: a means to an end?

Abstract

The wide availability of relatively cheap computing power has led many librarians and information officers to expect that the procurement of a microcomputer and database software will answer all of their needs for information management and retrieval. They then anticipate that this equipment will also serve all of the administrative needs of the information unit. This simplistic view is seen to ignore many of the hard realities of automation, and neglects the vital need for systems analysis and design. The author examines the ways in which microcomputers are currently used in libraries, and suggests some practical considerations for those about to embark on automation projects.

Citation

Gillman, P.L. (1984), "Microcomputers in special libraries: a means to an end?", The Electronic Library, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 197-203. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb044625