An automated library is one where a computer system is used to manage one or several of the library's key functions such as acquisitions, serials control, cataloging, circulation and the public access catalog. When exploring the history of library automation, it is possible to return to past centuries when visionaries well before the computer age created devices to assist with their book lending systems. Even as far back as 1588, the invention of the French "Book …showed first 75 words of 1643 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1643 total…ation is causing the current information delivery services to flourish. Bibliography Bush, V. (1945).As we may think. Atlantic Monthly. 176(1), 101-8. Duval, B.K. & Main, L. (1992). Automated Library Systems: A Librarians Guide and Teaching Manual. London: Meckler Nelson, N.M., (Ed.) (1990). Library Technology 1970-1990: Shaping the Library of the Future. Research Contributions from the 1990 Computers in Libraries Conference. London: Meckler. Pitkin, G.M. (Ed.) (1991). The Evolution of Library Automation: Management Issues and Future Perspectives. London: Meckler.