Library Science Article

Reading Log

January 25, 2008

Axiom 1: The Decision to Automate is Irreversible

Search Strategy: ERIC, Google Keyword Search

Terms: Library Automation, Technology, and Integration

Sources:

Gautschi, H. (June 2003). Toulouse: A Study in Libraries’ Virtual Future. Econtent. Retrieved January 25, 2008, from http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/results/results_single.jhtml;hwwilsonid=ZK4MRGWZVKBU5QA3DIMCFF4ADUNGIIV0

Gautschi provides a prime example of tradition versus innovation by citing the technological advances of the Toulouse Library in France. This 200-year old library, which is home to 16-19th century manuscripts, used the Sirsi products Unicorn Management Library System, Hyperion Digital Media Archive, and the iBistro e-library to allow for interlibrary loan and more efficient circulation. The Toulouse Library still maintains its archaic condition while using technology to benefit library staff and patrons alike.

Fayen, E. G. (March 2004). Integrated Library Systems. Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science. Retrieved January 25, 2008, from http://library.clarion.edu:2061/sdek/section?content=a713531873&scope=doc&fmt=.html

This article identifies the emergence of library automation technology beginning with its introduction in the late 1960s and 1970s, and then describes its evolution into the early Integrated Library Systems. Although ILS was an improvement, MARC truly aided the effort to retrieve machine-readable cataloging records. The article identifies ILS as adaptable, useful in all kinds of libraries, and made more affordable as new research is developed. The author concludes by projecting that the future of ILS will be ever changing to adapt to emerging technologies and will conform to the demands of our fast paced and get-it-done yesterday lifestyles.

Breeding, M. (January 2008). Perceptions 2007: An International Survey of Library Automation. Library Technology Guides. Retrieved January 25, 2008, from http://www.librarytechnology.org/perceptions2007.pl

In a Survey of library automation conducted by the author, this article gives a generalization library media specialist’s attitudes towards their automation system. A total of 1, 779 people were surveyed who were mostly natives of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. To get results the survey used a combination of five numerical ratings, yes or no responses, short answer response, and a place for any other comments the surveyed person felt relevant. The survey asked the participant how satisfied they were with their ILS, how satisfied with the ILS customer support; the likeliness of buys another ILS from the company, and others. The results showed that the Polaris system received the highest positive ratings, while SirsiDynix, Unicorn, and Horizon received low satisfaction scores. This article shows the reader that although ILS technology is abundant, quality may be better than quantity.

Dietz, R. and Grant, C. (June 2005). The Dis-Integrating World of Library Automation. Library Journal. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA606392.html

The authors of the article begin by citing the search power and end user friendliness of google.com and amazon.com. They then recognize