The idea of using computers to search for relevant pieces of information was popularized in the article As We May Think by Vannevar Bush in 1945. The first automated information retrieval systems were introduced in the 1950s and 1960s. By 1970 several different techniques had been shown to perform well on small text corpora such as the Cranfield collection. Large-scale retrieval systems, such as the Lockheed Dialog system, came into use early in the 1970s. An information retrieval process begins when a user enters a query into the system. In addition to updating the reader on the latest trends and developments in the field the text attempts to enhance the readers understanding of the field of library science itself. Contents: Systems Design—Computer-Based Acquisitions System