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Here is the 2nd part of the justifications of library automation. Vendors of automation are a great resource, too. They will gladly put together a list such as this one for you. Thanks again to everyone who sent these wonderful thoughts. Karen Teigen Oberlin Elementary School Oberlin, LA cen3112@centuryinter.net Justifying Library Circulation and Catalog Automation Automation improves access to information for patrons and increases efficiency in managing the library's collection. There is less clerical tasks involved with automation, leaving more time to work with students and teachers. Computerized records are simple to update, so reports and inventories are more accurate and can be compiled quickly. Automation results in better control over materials. Circulation systems track overdue materials faster and more efficiently. More frequent reminders can be sent out to your patrons with overdue items which will lead to less lost items. Customer quote: "....when I was at the elementary level we were losing about 200 books a year. After installing the Apple version of Circulation Plus that dropped to 2 - 7 a year!!! I figure that in just a couple of years Circ Plus MORE than paid for itself, and reported that to our administration who was very pleased." Circulation systems instantly tell what items a patron has checked out. Time is saved when a student is leaving the school and you need to know what he or she has out. Automation allows staff to analyze collection usage patterns easily, leading to better collection development. More reports and statistics can be generated immediately by the computer. Bibliographies can be generated quickly which is a plus for PR with your teachers. Inventory takes much less time when the library is automated. Automate so some people do not have to silently sing the ABC song when looking through the card drawers. The librarians' job will seem more prestigious to administrators when computers are involved. Automate so one day you can share your resources with other library patrons via interlibrary loan. Huge percentages of the collections are unique in the library world. The collection will get better use. An OPAC enables students to use the collection more effectively since more access points are available. Students eager to use the computer find more books about their interests and are checking them out. Students are more successful in less time with an electronic catalog. Less time searching equals more time evaluating, processing, and using what they find. Database searching requires students to use critical thinking skills in formulating search questions, narrowing the search, finding information, and synthesizing the information into a unique product. OPACs teach skills important to students preparing to be productive citizens in the 21st century. Students need whole life skills like Boolean search strategies which will be transferred to other electronic resources like magazine and newspaper indexes (and public and university catalogs). Students are more eager to search materials on the computer than on a paper-based catalog. Automation is a selling point for the Media Center, for the school, for parents and visitors. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-= To quit LM_NET (or set NOMAIL or DIGEST), Send an email message to listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST * NOTE: Please allow time for confirmation from Listserv. For LM_NET Help & Archives see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=