Library Review

GODWIN, T.M.; STEVENSON, B.G.

1985 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/eb012793

THE HISTORY Wilbraham District Library now remodelled as Fallowfield Cultural Centre was first opened on 31st October 1932 by the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, Chancellor of the University of Manchester, amid a great deal of ceremonypresided over by the Lord Mayor and in the presence of Manchester's hew Chief Librarian Charles Nowell. The Annual report of the Manchester Libraries Committee for 193233 states that the Earl dutifully borrowed the first book, The mediaeval woodwork of Manchester Cathedral by Henry A. Hudson. As early as 1923 the Libraries Committee had applied for the use of the important corner site occupied by the new library on the new housing estate in Wilbraham, believing this to be a pivotal point for the whole estate and the close proximity with the nearby school enabling the services to cooperate successfully in their work with children.

PUGH, LYDON

1985 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/eb012794

A survey of the literature of automation indicates not surprisingly that the use of the computer as a management tool apart from as a provider of statistics has attracted little attention. Chorba and Bommer for example see automation as a question of decision support systems, and Runyon typically regards library management as depending crucially upon a total systems approach. One of the most comprehensive accounts of computerisation in an academic library in the UK similarly reveals an inevitable concentration on the systems. The use of the computer as a part of a management philosophy per se is one which is hardly touched upon, yet in a multi site organisation in particular it can be of vital significance in itself. In the context of the particular problems of this kind of library service it is a general aid to management in a much broader sense.

WANG, CHIH

1985 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/eb012795

INTRODUCTION Computers and new information technologies have beyond question brought tremendous advancement in information storage and retrieval. In recent years, the traditional card catalog has given way first to the COM computer output on microform catalog, then to the online catalog. Now, many libraries are shifting to the new capability in order to provide better and faster services to their patrons.

STAVELEY, RONALD

1985 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/eb012796

The former colleague at University College of Raymond Irwin 19021976 and his obituarist here presents a fuller portrait of this unusual man.

HEANEY, HENRY

1985 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/eb012797

Based on the seven articles on the Republic of Ireland in the Summer 1985 issue of LR, the need for a national information policy is identified as an urgent priority. Some steps which might be taken to establish such a policy are suggested certain difficulties to be faced in its implementation are outlined.