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A study was conducted to determine: (1) whether technical processes at the Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University, should be automated; and (2) if automation were required, which system would be economically and technically feasible. Data from 323 technical service transactions were selected on a random basis between July 1971 and June 1973, and the data analysis revealed sluggish movement of books through technical processing. Automation of specific processes was recommended and appropriate technology was identified. The proposed system called for use of Library of Congress Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) tapes to generate new book notices, book orders, and catalog cards. It was estimated that the new system would save over $30,000 within five years of its implementation. (EMH/PF)

Library of Congress call numbers which contain mixed alphameric notations are not readily adaptable for computer sorting. Some editing is required if the sorted call numbers are to correspond to the library shelf arrangement. A PL/1 subroutine that performs such editing is in use at Eastern Illinois University. The computer programs are appended. (Author/LS)