BNB/Brighton Public Libraries Catalogue Project—‘BRIMARC’

Abstract

This article describes the experimental system whereby BNB has produced the Brighton Public Libraries catalogue in microfilm since September 1972, making use of the BNB/MARC data base and production facilities. Cost, currency and other relevant factors are examined in evaluation of this prototype system. It is concluded that the prototype system is viable in cost/performance terms and that a developed version would have lower costs and increased performance. It is noted that provision of this service accords with the objectives of the British Library and with the recommendations of the National Libraries ADP Study. The link with the BNB/LASER retrospective conversion project and the potential of the service for new local authorities is also noted. British Library provision of a service in time to be of use to the new local authorities is recommended. Views expressed are the personal views of the authors and are not necessarily those of their employing organisations.

Computer‐based Library Systems: A Review of the Last Twenty‐one Years

“…15 One of these services, LOCAS (Local Cataloguing Service) provided libraries with a computer output microfiche (COM) catalogue of their holdings; this service developed from experiments at Brighton Public Library. 16 LOCAS proved to be popular and by 1983 some eighty libraries were customers. However, since then many libraries have acquired their own computer systems and in 1986 the BLBSD announced that it would cease to offer the LOCAS service in 1988.…”

The OSTI‐supported Library Automation Projects

“…The first involves Liverpool University and a number of other libraries in an experiment in which a selective MARC tape is produced on receipt of lists of ISBNs from the participating libraries. At the second level a more comprehensive service is being developed in conjunction with Brighton Public Libraries (7). The library sends to BNB a list of ISBNs and local data for current acquisitions.…”