ELMS (Experimental Library Management System) is an experimental system for total library management, operating on‐line with an IBM 360 through IBM 2260 and 2741 terminals. The system is designed to handle large amounts of highly variable information which it processes on command, giving on‐line computer service for all library operations. At the same time, it must accommodate the different needs and skills of a broad range of library users, from new patrons to well‐trained librarians.Such a system presents programming problems that will be typical of large, interactive computer systems in the seventies. This paper discusses ELMS features that facilitate user interaction, and may prove useful in similar systems: techniques for tutoring the user (display format, one‐question, one‐answer displays, and KWIC indexing); adaptability for the experienced user (command chains and a standard set of four‐letter mnemonic codes for higher‐level control); minimization of keying (line numbers, one‐character mnemonic codes used with procedures, and use of default conditions); performance of clerical tasks by exception notification; and collection of operational statistics to help improve the system.

This paper discusses some of the characteristics of online cataloging systems. Two basic types of interaction with a cataloging system are distinguished:

The DOBIS/LIBIS OPAC has been in active use at a number of installations for several years. Before describing the OPAC, this paper briefly describes the development and design of DOBIS/LIBIS as a whole. After sketches of several libraries using the OPAC, its menu‐guided and full‐screen search capabilities are described. Other OPAC facilities, such as the self‐service display of a borrower record, the sending of electronic mail to the library staff, and the multilingual capability of the system, are also covered.

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