[1272] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
LITA Beat (Report)
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Public-Access Computer Systems For)
Tue Sep 22 11:37:31 1992
Date: Tue, 22 Sep 1992 10:29:00 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: "Galen L. Fletcher" <LIBGLF@VM.BYU.EDU>
Organization: Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
Subject: LITA BEAT
The LITA BEAT: Report on the LITA (Library and Information Technology
Association) 3rd National Conference, Sept. 13-16, 1992, Denver, CO.
By Galen Fletcher Part 1 of 2
Part 1
1. Introduction
2. Workshop #2: Retrospective Conversion Basics
3. Program #12: Cooperative Ventures in Resource Sharing
4. Program #15: Navigating the Internet
5. Program #17: Specifications for Library Technology Customers
Part 2
6. Program #18: The Cataloger's Workstation
7. Program #53: Installing a 2nd Automated System: Planning
8. Placement
9. Sights
10. Published Proceedings/Tapes
1. INTRODUCTION
LITA was my 1st library conference ever. I'm a MLIS/JD student (grad-
to-be 8/93) working in an academic library as a Catalog Department Para-
professional FT. I enjoyed meeting/listening to others interested in using
computers in libraries. It was great--so many varied topics, perspectives,
problems to solve, and people! What follows are brief summaries of some of
the LITA sessions/events:
2. RETROSPECTIVE CONVERSION BASICS
Ann Vidor outlined her retro experience at Emory U. in the context of
library literature. (She gave out a short bibliography on the topic.) She
discussed pros/cons of vendor vs. in-house recon, the need to know your own
institution well, _not_ being a perfectionist while reconning, and keeping
a sense of humor. J. Randolph Call (Detroit Public) emphasized PLANNING
AHEAD and identifying different types of needs as much as possible before-
hand. Cheryl Rogers (SOLINET) covered the unique aspects of school library
retrospective conversion--weed before or after, Dewey/LC, Sears/LCSH, and
copy/volume designations. This was a very practical, basic session.
3. COOPERATIVE VENTURES IN RESOURCE SHARING
Program title: Over the Barriers, Into the Breach: Technology and the
Breakdown of Traditional Political Turf.
Various multi-type cooperative arrangements were shared. These included
an Indiana school library system cooperating with a public library system
(including ILL, automations, etc.), a Colorado rural college giving regular
bibliographical instruction to local 6th-8th graders using their library,
Maryland high school libraries sharing computer resources with a regional
library association, and the Maryland state library network of 425 libraries
(public, school, academic, private libraries) with a "vision statement."
Each was different, with innovative solutions their common factor.
4. NAVIGATING THE INTERNET
A very crowded room of mostly Internet users (they did a survey),
listened to 1) the need for database user instructions to apply to remote
users ("see the red notebooks by the elevator" is not very useful to a
remote user), 2) the issues in helping the majority who do not have any
Internet access (and for whom it will be increasingly expensive to obtain),
3) a description of what Internet is via the Kudoz patch, and 4) a NREN
legislative update by Paul Peters.
5. FUZZY MATCH: DRAFT SPECIFICATIONS FOR AUTOMATED LIBRARY SYSTEM CUSTOMERS
Joan Williams of INLEX upstaged the other presenters with her RFP
words and music parody looking at what our industry/profession would be
like if libraries had to compete for vendor attention. Get a copy of her
tape if you can.
End of part 1 of 2.
*******************************************************
Part 2
6. Program #18: The Cataloger's Workstation
7. Program #53: Installing a 2nd Automated System: Planning
8. Placement
9. Sights
10. Published Proceedings/Tapes
6. THE CATALOGER'S WORKSTATION/EXPERT SYSTEMS
Janet McCue described Cornell University's use of a few commercial
software packages (Desqview, Memorymate, Cornell Telnet--total cost $200
per pc) which enables their catalogers' to use OCLC/RLIN/NOTIS all on one
personal computer simultaneously. Sarah Thomas (LC) overviewed current
expert systems and projects including LC's Bibliographic Workstation.
Duane Arenales (National Library of Medicine) demonstrated their cataloging
system, TESS.
7. INSTALLING A 2ND SYSTEM--PLANNING
Lots of good advice on planning for a second automated system was
shared by Susan Epstein, Lois Kershner and Marietta Plank. Ms. Epstein
reviewed _why_ libraries upgrade/migrate, 1st and 2nd time system buyer
differences, and contract concerns the 2nd time around. Ms. Kershner
discussed upgrading with the same vendor in a public library setting,
alongwith things she would plan for a little more carefully next time.
Ms. Plank upgraded with a different vendor (in an academic library group).
Her presentation covered competitive vs. non-competitive procurement
pros and cons, and getting an RFP (Request for Proposal) that says what
you want (functionality, performance, futures), not just what your current
system does not do.
8. PLACEMENT
Most American Library Association related conferences have a small
placement center, and LITA sponsored one by the exhibits also. I do not
graduate for another year from library school, but I stopped by to see what
kinds of positions LITA librarians are looking for. What I discovered was
eleven (11) job postings (ranging from a public library media center
director to a library school professor to a commercial vendor sales rep.).
There were almost as many handouts (7) on how to find a library job as there
were job postings (and at least twice as many applicants). Needless to say,
I did not get a job as a result of LITA, but I am going to increase my
searching now for an academic or law librarian position.
9. SIGHTS
Denver in the fall is a nice place for a conference. The landscape
through the mountains is beautiful (I drove from Utah), the sights are
varied, and there's something for everyone. Our group visited the Denver
Natural History Museum, the Museum of Western Art, the U.S. Mint, the
Tattered Cover Bookstore, the National Archives Regional Center, La Casa
Bonita restaurant (with the in-house flame-throwing cliff divers), and
the Denver Buffalo Company. With ALA-Mid-Winter in Denver, it would be
nice to visit again.
10. PROCEEDINGS
Most of the sessions had abstracts/text/handouts already printed up
in a 206 page book given to all LITA conferees. Reading these before sessions
reduced notetaking and increased understanding speakers' presentations. If
someone in your organization/area went to LITA, check the proceedings for
some very good material. Many sessions were taped and are available for a
fee from LITA. A nice feature of this conference was these opportunities
to keep learning from the conference long after everyone had returned home.
I'm saving up for the next LITA conference a couple of years from now.
End of part 2 of 2.
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Galen Fletcher
Catalog Paraprofessional
6380 HBLL V: (801) 378-7552
Brigham Young University F: (801) 378-3221
Provo, UT 84602 LIBGLF@BYUVM.BITNET
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Walt Crawford, LITA, PACS-L readers and just about anyone else are expressly
allowed to copy (and/or edit) all or part of this report if desired.
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