Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction to information systems. 2. Library information retrieval system. 3. Libraries and online information retrieval. 4. Managing the information system. 5. Libraries: resource sharing and networking. 6. Libraries in India: networking and usage. 7. Library house-keeping operations and automation. 8. Impacts of desktop publishing in information centres and libraries. 9. Library and hardware and software. Glossary. Select bibliography. Index.

"The present age is very aptly termed as information/knowledge age. Computers have revolutionised the work culture of modern day world. In the field of library profession, computers have made a big headway. The growth in number and variety of devices for business data processing e.g. accounting machines, punched card,. equipment, computers etc., is a direct result of the need for systems and procedures to handle the 'paperwork explosion'. The use of computers has introduced a new approach to systems and procedures called 'total management' information systems'. Notably, the combination of modern communications with computer allows the integration of result, data about an organisation can easily be acquired, retrieved, processed and used for management control.

Here we have made an attempt to portray role of computers in libraries in pros and cons." (jacket)