ABSTRACT
SUMMARY. The Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) is a cooperative project of the libraries of Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Its goal is to provide an integrated online system for the three campuses using a distributed network. The online catalog, which is considered the core of the system, is operational. Other functions are being developed, including acquisitions/serials control. This article outlines the planning process used by the Acquisitions/Serials Advisory Committee to prepare general functional requirements for an ideal automated acquisitions/serials control subsystem. It emphasizes the importance of careful documentation to provide a solid foundation for any direction automation efforts might take. It gives advice for the development of functional requirements as well as for the evaluation of turnkey systems as alternate ways to achieve the goals stated in the requirements. Finally, it describes the lessons learned from the experience thus far.
