Prospective conversion: data transfer between fossil and new microcomputer technologies in libraries

Over the past 10 years, libraries have been converting a variety of files from manual storage to computer-based database management systems (DBMS) on a range of computers, from personal computers to mainframe computers. Many of these libraries are now finding that their systems are dangerously dated. Libraries using dated hardware and software are having to evaluate their dependency on old DBMSs and the usefulness of older computing hardware. As a result of technological changes and demands from end users, many libraries will face the challenge of prospective conversion over the next decade. Prospective conversion refers to the migration of computerized records from one computer to another in order to utilize new computer technologies. It requires a great deal of planning, partially because of hidden idiosyncrasies in operating systems and DBMS and inherent differences between products.