Microcomputers as innovation: policies for implementation in libraries and information services

The successful implementation of microcomputer‐based systems, despite their relatively low cost, still requires a careful quantitative and qualitative analysis of needs and tasks, followed by attention to managerial details during implementation and operation. A consideration of these factors is preceded by a general overview of the organisational and other implications of introducing an innovative system. The results of some findings are summarised, but there is a need for further research in this area, in order to establish more precisely the impact of IT‐based systems such as microcomputers on library and information services.