Overview of Information Management Systems *

Abstract

This article focuses on the control of published literature, but stresses that an automated system suitable for it might very well support control of proprietary information as well. It cautions librarians and information specialists against making the decision about the choice of a system on the basis of a single factor, especially buying a software package because it runs on available hardware.

Mr. Boss spells out a number of selection criteria, placing special emphasis on vendor viability.

He discusses a number of trends, including journal citation capability, interlibrary loan, interfacing with other systems using the Open System Interconnection Reference Model, and optical storage media.

He also concludes by discussing costs, both start-up and ongoing.