the concept of an integrated
library system preceded the technical ability
to achieve it. Today, the technology is available to
achieve what was originally sought, but the original
goals no longer represent all of what is needed.
It is gratifying to note that some of the truly
pioneering work in library automation occurred
within the biomedical community: the minicomputer
efforts at Minnesota under Glen Brudvig; the
on-line serials check-in and control system at the
University of California, Los Angeles, Biomedical
Library under Louise Darling; and the PHILSOMshared
serials control system at Washington University,
St. Louis, Medical Library under Estelle
Brodman (see article by Susan Crawford) [16, 17].
Continuing in the same tradition, the systems
addressed in this symposium are defining anew
what is meant by the phrase "integrated library
system." Much remains to be done, but no doubt
remains as to what can be achieved.