Managing the machine in the stacks: operations research, bibliographic control and library computerization, 1950–2000

Author: Rau, Erik P.

Source: Library History, Volume 23, Number 2, June 2007 , pp. 151-168(18)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $39.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Traces efforts to employ operations research (OR) in managing technological innovation in the library. Briefly discusses the World War II origins of OR and focuses on its post-war application to libraries and their efforts to improve systems of bibliographic control in the wake of the deluge of documents generated by scientific and technological advance and by the onset of the Cold War. Examines three pioneering attempts to apply OR to research libraries — by Philip Morse at MIT, Michael Buckland at the University of Lancaster, England, and by Ferdinand Leimkuhler at Purdue University. Culminates by exploring OR's legacy in the computerized research library and possible reasons for its sudden disappearance.

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/174581607x205662

Publication date: 2007-06-01

More about this publication?

In 2009 Library History changed its name to Library & Information History to reflect changes and developments in the subject area. To view the issues of Library & Information History available online please click here...
Editorial Board
Information for Authors
Subscribe to this Title
Terms & Conditions
ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites