Selecting and implementing a word processor in the library
| Published date | 01 April 1983 |
| Date | 01 April 1983 |
| Pages | 265-273 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb044605 |
| Author | Sarah Hendrickson Nash |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
THE ELECTRONIC LIBRARY
Selecting and implementing
a word processor
in the library
Sarah Hendrickson Nash
Abstract: The ability of word processors to manipulate text quickly and accurately makes
them ideal technical processing tools for small libraries without access to more sophisticated
automated library systems. The author focuses on her experiences in selecting and imple-
menting a word processor in the Institute for Defense Analyses' library. The section on
selection emphasizes the importance of assessing the library's needs and translating these
needs into word processing functions. The next step is to select a specific system
by
compar-
ing and contrasting the system functions, documentation, and vendor reputation for service
and support of various word processors. In order to sell the idea to management, a recom-
mendation and justification statement will need to be prepared, showing cost savings and
other benefits to be accrued from a word processor. Developing and documenting pro-
cedures, setting priorities for implementing applications, developing a timeline for imple-
mentation, training, scheduling and reporting should all be part of an implementation plan.
The author demonstrates how a word processor can be used for producing catalog cards,
monthly accessions bulletins, mailing labels and
receipts,
journal holdings and journal sub-
scription listings and print publications. Problems encountered in the selection and imple-
mentation process are discussed and possible solutions offered.
Introduction
Introducing a word processor into the library can increase productivity and
improve services. Word processors, with their capacity to perform repetitive tasks
involving rapid and accurate manipulation of text are a natural for the library
environment. The proliferation of word processors in the past few years has made
them accessible to nearly everyone. While a microcomputer or minicomputer fre-
quently remains outside of a library's reach financially, a word processor is often
available. Successful implementation of a word processor into the library is de-
pendent on careful planning: defining the library's needs, acquiring an appropriate
system and creating a phased plan for implementation.
In November 1981, the Technical Information Services Office (TISO) of the
Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) acquired on lease a Xerox 860 Information
Processing System (IPS) to prepare catalog cards and labels and receipts for mail-
ing classified documents. The system consists of
a
controller with 128K memory,
The author is the Assistant Manager for Technical Services at the Institute for Defense Analyses,
1801 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria,
VA
22311, USA.
Vol. 1, No. 4, October 1983 265
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