Automating OCLC Dial Access

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.