Helping Librarians to Apply New Technology

The options for library and information managers to apply IT in their libraries/information services are now wide ranging and particularly so with the arrival of the new generation of 16‐bit multi‐user micro‐computers and fully integrated library systems for small libraries. Three years ago the market for library software was comparatively small; now there are far more products and it's very competitive. Other well established options may include setting up a bibliographic database or online catalogue, using a stand alone system for handling, for example, serials control, or using a microcomputer as an online terminal. But where to begin? And, that is where the Library Technology Centre (LTC) might be a good starting point. Here, it is possible to explore the potential that microcomputers have to offer; decision‐making can be enhanced by taking advantage of demonstration facilities, to have “hand‐on” experience; and the visitor may tap the expertise and information resources of three information officers with complementary skills in the library and information fields.