ABSTRACT
Fritz Schwartz, Manager of Electronic Data Interchange Services, The Faxon Company, and Sharon Cline McKay, Director of Library Services, EBSCO Subscription Services, provided an informal and interactive approach to the complex topic of the relationship between the integrated library systems (ILS) vendor and the subscription agent in the development of interfaces. Schwartz introduced the topic by describing this relationship as a triangular one involving three key players: ILS vendor, subscription agent, and library. Before exploring specific issues and future concerns, Schwartz guided participants through definitions of standards, systems terminology, significant acronyms, and key words in electronic communications. He stressed the importance of librarians becoming familiar and conversant with the data processing environment and linked systems.
