One of the true milestones of library history was reached last year when OCLC introduced the new PRISM service to its member libraries. PRISM was everything OCLC, promised it would be: easy to use, fast, and efficient. Like many libraries across the country, McMullen Library at St. Ambrose University registered a significant increase in productivity last year, thanks in part to the new PRISM system.

Reports from the bibliographic services department at the University of Texas at Dallas on the recent period of automation of the integrated library system. Shows how the old CAT ME micro enhancer workflow failed to accommodate the library′s present needs; demonstrates some of the features of thenew CAT ME Plus that eased the library′s transition to automation.

Discusses the availability of OCLC′s EPIC service through the Internet. Considers the cost benefits, as well as Internet access problems, connection via Internet, hidden costs, terminal troubles, communications software, and disconnecting. Concludes that the time spent overcoming difficulties with Internet connection will be worthwhile in cost terms, especially as more database vendors establish Internet connections.

Endeavours to provide assistance to librarians and support personnel in resolving computer problems. Lists the steps to follow when troubleshooting a problem or when diagnosing a ′READ′ error.

Looks at potential uses for old M300 series machines that have been replaced by newer models, and gives advice on how to go about upgrading the workstations in order that they can be used to their full potential in other areas. Highlights the point that upgrading needs to be carried out by somebody with at least some specialist knowledge, and that upgraded machines will still be much slower than new models.

In the movie Brazil, Robert DeNiro plays a rogue repairman who comes to rescue the unwary from snarls in wiring and ducts caused by an unresponsive government agency called Central Services. Librarians using electronic networks for information access may wish for similar assistance; prying open the network's wiring box, even metaphorically, can be a daunting (though rewarding) experience.

Considers the use of surge suppressors to protect computers from surges in voltage and ′spikes′ – sudden sharp rises caused by switching on equipment such as air conditioners in the vicinity. Describes the tests that the technology has to go through in order to be awarded one of the two industry standards, as well as explaining the meanings of some of the important terminology.

I'm not sure why you would want to do this, but I saw a neat way to create a file of zero length (whatever that might mean, metaphysically). You use a command like: REM >ZERO.NUL

Discusses the introduction of an efficient way to get local cataloguing onto OCLC to maintain resource sharing, in a library where original cataloguing is performed directly onto a local system. Describes the techniques employed using ProComm to automate OCLC dial access, the routine to transfer dBASE to ProComm, and the script of a sample automatic data entry session.