Book Description

Three papers are compiled here for research library directors: (1) "Background: Open Systems Interconnection," in which David F. Bishop provides fundamental background information to explain the concept of the emerging technology of linked systems and open systems interconnection--i.e., an agreed upon standard set of conventions or rules that, when implemented will enable computers of different manufacturers, controlled by different types of internal programs, to communicate with each other as equals with minimal prior negotiation; (2) "LSP (Linked Systems Project) and the Library Community," in which Henriette Avram provides an overview of the current status of LSP, i.e., a program involving the Library of Congress, the American Library Association (ALA) Research Libraries Group, OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), and other groups, that is attempting to develop a means of sharing data from one system to another without having to learn each individual system and having a prescribed terminal for each system; and (3) "LSP: Implications for Our Libraries," in which Dorothy Gregor imparts a sense of what linked systems will mean for the future operations of their libraries, e.g., being able to link local online catalog systems with the networks so that library users can move from searching the local catalog to searching OCLC. A list of 11 selected readings is included. (5 tables) (SD)