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The paper describes the transfer from an early, batch‐process, custom‐designed, automated library loans system using teletypewriters and paper tape input; to a modern loans system based on the STATUS package. HAL is also a batch‐process system but has some on‐line facilities. It uses a microprocessor, two VDUs and a Decwriter. Reasons for the change; system design and implementation; the difficulties encountered; an outline of the cost; and the advantages are described. The paper concludes with a brief, technical description of HAL software (Appendix A); and examples of screen prompts and print‐out (Appendix B).

This paper shows how a free text, Boolean‐type retrieval system can be used to provide a wide range of information processes. The paper describes the STATUS retrieval system, concentrating on the recent developments and improvements to the system. In particular, the use of pre‐and post‐processors is discussed. These give much greater flexibility to the user interface and allow STATUS to be integrated into existing information systems. This is illustrated with examples from a library loans system.

System designers concerned with bibliographic storage and retrieval systems have, in the past, followed one of three approaches — simple data structures, with the handling of the inherent complexity of bibliographic data embedded in the programs; free text (inverse file) systems of which the ‘online database’ systems may be seen as a specialised extension; and structured database (DBMS) methods, of which some MARC systems are a special subset. The form of storage of the bibliographic data affects not only the efficiency of retrieval by various fields of the record, but also the space used in storage, the cost of maintenance and addition of new material, and especially, the nature of the retrieval language and the flexibility of response to users' needs. The choice of design approach involves study of each proposed application, and guidelines are offered for consideration in matching functional requirements with the varying strengths and weaknesses of the software techniques. Hybrid database structures offering both free text and DBMS features are becoming acceptable, at least for small systems, and the likely paths for future development are noted.

The following bibliography focuses mainly on programs which can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles under the operating system PC DOS/MS DOS, and which can be used in online information and documentation work. They fall into the following categories:

This paper describes the simulation of a nearest neighbour searching algorithm for document retrieval using a pool of microprocessors. The documents in a database are organised in a multi‐dimensional binary search tree, and the algorithm identifies the nearest neighbour for a query by a backtracking search of this tree. Three techniques are described which allow parallel searching of the tree. A PASCAL‐based, general purpose simulation system is used to simulate these techniques, using a pool of Transputer‐like microprocessors with three standard document test collections. The degree of speed‐up and processor utilisation obtained is shown to be strongly dependent upon the characteristics of the documents and queries used. The results support the use of pooled microprocessor systems for searching applications in information retrieval.

This paper describes the development and implementation of Harwell Library's accounting and periodicals housekeeping functions on a microcomputer. The accounting programs were constructed specifically for Harwell Library, but the software for journals was developed as the periodicals module of a suite of library management programs called BookshelF which is commercially available.

In a dummy article, which itself forms a model, the types of contribution welcomed for Program (full‐length articles, short communications, news items, letters to the Editor) are characterised. Desirable features of the format of contributed scripts are listed, and the various stages in the publication of a paper are described. 6 [sample] references.

VINE is produced at least four times a year with the object of providing up‐to‐date news of work being done in the automation of library housekeeping processes, principally in the UK. It is edited and substantially written by the Information Officer for Library Automation based in Southampton University Library and supported by a grant from the British Library Research and Development Department. Copyright for VINE articles rests with the British Library Board, but opinions expressed in VINE do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the British Library. The subscription for 1981 for VINE is £20 for UK subscribers and £23 for overseas subscribers — subscription year runs from January to December.

By the end of 1981 there are expected to be as many as 2000 centres in Great Britain making use of free text storage and retrieval systems. Prospective users are analysed by type of institution, and by class of computer in use or envisaged. Package systems are likely to satisfy a major part of this growth in use. Applications are expected in bibliographic services, technical information management and commercial correspondence and data retrieval. Special systems for legal data, safety standards and records, and regulations in general may also be important.

The constraints imposed on system design by microcomputer hardware and system software are discussed. File structure is described and there is a brief account of the overall system configuration. Indexing is by limited file inversion, with a number of choices of indexing mode. Boolean searching is used together with adjacency and character matching facilities. A number of uses of the system are briefly described.