AUTOMATION OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES AT ASTON UNIVERSITY

Aston is a technological university, fully committed to the use of information technology within its teaching, research and support programmes. The Library and Information Service (LIS) has a very active history of computerisation, founded on timely and significant investment decisions made even in difficult financial circumstances. This article describes the gradual automation of the Library's “housekeeping” activities, culminating in its current integrated Geac system. It also outlines a long involvement in the provision of information services, particularly in support of research activity, but now spreading to undergraduate level. Finally, current plans for a range of services to be provided over the University's proposed broadband network are described, indicating a continuing commitment to a high‐profile use of information technology in support of library and information services to the academic community.