Automating serial management at the Library of Congress: a status report

With the introduction of AACR2 in 1981, the need to automate serials control at the Library of Congress (LC) was realized. Existing systems were evaluated, and a 6-month use test of Faxon's LINX SC-10 and UCLA's TPS with a 1,200-title database showed that automation could be applied effectively to the LC's serial processing activities; however, due to the time and expense involved in installing one of the systems on the library's computer, it was decided that the LC needed to develop a system in-house. A consultant conducted interviews and drafted a document reflecting the needs of 13 major acquisitions, processing, and reference divisions. Phase one of the serials management system (SMS) will automate recording serials holdings at an issue-specific level. Phase 2 will provide: 1. public-access screens, 2. a communication link with the acquisitions system, and 3. a link to the bibliographic file. Phase 3 includes: 1. a binding alert function, 2. a bindery processing and tracking system, and 3. a circulation system link.