"I dreamed I met a Galilean..."

Abstract

A library control computer program named DrLib is described. After an overview of the requirements to computer systems for library automation, the realization of the principles expressed - or the lack of their realization - is demonstrated through the example of a particular library system. Within the description of the principles, the basic concepts are defined to avoid possible misunderstanding due to the author's terminology differing from that of Professional librarians. As a starting principle, the need of a dedicated library control system is emphasized that should obey the data exchange format standardized by ISO 2709, and should be able to produce hardcopy output at high level. The Library of the Development and Experimental Research Institute for the Hungarian State Railways MÁV was chosen as a reference system for demonstration of the library control functions in practice. For this library, the MicroISIS database management system was available. DrLib is an integrated modular package that is capable for surrounding. MicroISIS as a companion module. DrLib's modules receive information directly from the MicroISIS database. LDERI ol MÁV applies a configuration containing modules for data input, for current awareness, for circulation and for producing bibli-ography lists.