Technical services and integrated library systems
| Published date | 01 June 2000 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830010333509 |
| Pages | 144-150 |
| Date | 01 June 2000 |
| Author | Linda Bills |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Technical services and
integrated library
systems
Linda Bills
Current technical services functions
Introduction
In 1995, Boss observed a 95 per cent
conformity in the technical services modules
offered by integrated library systems (ILSs),
indicating that these modules were mature
products (Boss, 1995). His article presented a
complete technical services RFP (Request for
Proposal), tabulating responses from all the
major vendors at the time (mid-1994), which
can still serve as a complete list of the basic
functionality now available in technical services
modules. In brief, integrated library systems can
now facilitate all the traditional functions of
technical services departments ± ordering,
receiving, claiming, fund accounting,
cataloging, authority work, check-in, labeling,
routing, binding ± for books, serials, videos,
sound recordings, CD-ROMs, and other
physical materials. These capabilities have
speeded up processing, virtually eliminated
backlogs, allowed improved records
maintenance, and provided copious
management reports. They have also made it
possible, if the library wishes, to change
workflow and to share responsibilities more
easily with other library departments and with
outside agencies.
The effect of basic integrated systems on
technical services
Before moving on to the special functions and
challenges that recent new programs have made
possible in technical services, it is useful to
consider some of the effects of automating the
basic functions. The most obvious of these is
freeing staff from dependence on physical files,
most notably the card catalog. One of the
simplest results has been the freedom to
reorganize space, often liberating prime space
near the reference area for more obvious public
services.
Another result has been the ability to use the
subject knowledge of staff members more
creatively, regardless of their physical location.
Staff who in a paper environment could only
request books can now place orders directly.
Specialized cataloging can be done by staff with
subject or language expertise in their own
departments, so that, for instance, music
recordings can be ordered, received and
The author
Linda Bills is the Library Automation Coordinator for the Tri-
College Consortium of Bryn Mawr, Haverford and
Swarthmore Colleges. The Consortium offices are located at
Canaday Library, 101 N. Merion Ave, Bryn Mawr,
Pennsylvania, USA.
Keywords
Technical services, Work scheduling, Libraries, Automation
Abstract
The automation of technical service functions has led to
many changes in workflows and culture. Recent enhance-
ments have leveraged systems developed by materials
vendors of books and serials to further enhance library
efficiency, resulting in adjustments to how work is assigned
both inside and outside the library. Future developments are
expected in technical service functions following the same
trends, as well as changes that will provide ways to manage
the emerging electronic products.
Electronic access
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
available at
http://www.emerald-library.com
144
Library Hi Tech
Volume 18 .Number 2 .2000 .pp. 144±150
#MCB University Press .ISSN 0737-8831
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