The Georgetown University Medical Center Library has a decade-long history in library automation.
It was an early recipient of a National Library of Medicine/Integrated Academic Information Management System (NLM/IAIMS) grant.
Purpose of the Study:
To describe the evolution of library automation and networking at Georgetown.
To highlight the development of new Library Information System (LIS) modules within an Integrated Academic Information Management System (IAIMS) framework.
Main Methods:
Development of the Library Information System (LIS) over a decade.
Integration of LIS modules within a reciprocal IAIMS environment.
Creation of specific modules like Document Delivery and ALERTS/CURRENT CONTENTS Search System.
Main Results:
Successful evolution of library automation and networking projects.
Development of new LIS modules, including Document Delivery and ALERTS/CURRENT CONTENTS Search System.
The creation of BioSYNTHESIS as a prototype information tool.
Conclusions:
Library automation and networking are transforming traditional library roles.
The reciprocal LIS/IAIMS environment fosters innovation in information systems.
Future information tools like BioSYNTHESIS are emerging from this integrated approach.