Prototyping a Microcomputer-Based Online Library Catalog

This report examihes and evaluates the application of prototyping methodology in the design of a microcomputer-based online library catalog. The methodology for carrying out the research involves a five-part examination of the problemon both the theoretical and applied levels, each of which is discussed ina separate section as follows: (I) a discussion of the staredard life cycle in information systems development, particularly library systems development, as defined in the literature; (2) a definition of prototyping as perceived in some of the more recent literature of systems development, a discussion of the two distinct types of prototyping in use in software engineering, and a presentation of the model of prototyping roles; (3) adaptation of the model of prototyping roles to the specific configuration in the presence of which prototyping is suggested as a design methodology fora microcomputer-based online library catalog; (4) analysis of theuse of prototyping methodology in the design of a microcomputer-based catalog in the Library of the Graduate Library School of Hebrew University; and (5) an evaluation of prototypingas a viable systems development methodology for libraries. The text is supplemented by two tables and five figures, and 107 references are provided.