ABSTRACT
This chapter considers micro-based business software, applications which are of direct relevance to library operations and developments in applications software and their importance for libraries. Software is the set of instructions that can turn a collection of plastic, silicon, wire and metal into a productive tool. Software is much more important than hardware to the library manager, despite the fact that often more effort is placed on the selection of the right equipment. Operating systems provide the rules, housekeeping procedures and command syntax which every computer must have to work. The manager selecting microcomputer software must look closely at the functionality of products and be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of competing packages, all of which may provide good user interfaces. There are three commonly used methods of automating community information: use of standard Database management systems on a microcomputer or minicomputer, use of the library management system database and the private view data network.
