NCJ Number
95584
Date Published
1984
Length
66 pages
Annotation
Automation and resource sharing were the main themes of a seminar for Australian criminal justice librarians.
Abstract
The movement to computerized library operations is especially evident in larger libraries. Automation of inhouse systems, such as library catalogs and loans, and automated links to other libraries and their resources through computer networks requires standardized formats for cataloging and information exchanges. Joining the Australian Bibliographic Network (ABN) would permit adding new catalog entries and accessing the ABN data base for copy cataloging and information sharing. The best means of automating, including choice of hardware and software systems, and the principles for implementing automated systems were discussed. While not all librarians felt they were in a position to automate, and there was some diversity of opinion about whether libraries should automate, it was suggested that every library recognize the benefits of automation, whether or not it is achievable in the near future. A review of not it is achievable in the near future. A review of national and international legal data bases accessed via networks such as Ausinet, Eurolex, Lockheed Dialog, and Scale, included some online data base searches. Data bases include NCJRS, CLIRS, and the Criminal Justice Periodicals Index; Lexis and WESTLAW are not available in Australia. Other available reference resources include the National Survey of Law Libraries and various statistical materials available through the Australian Institute of Criminology and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Papers on prison libraries in Western Australia, police and corrections libraries, and universty law libraries were also presented. The agenda, lists of participants, and workshop resolutions are appended.