The combination of computer technology and library operation is helping to alleviate such library problems as escalating costs, increasing collection size, deteriorating materials, unwieldy arrangement schemes, poor subject control, and the acquisition and processing of large numbers of rarely used documents. Small special libraries such as anesthesia libraries find microcomputers especially useful for communications and data control. Access to online databases through vendors such as DIALOG and MEDLARS allows efficient searching of medical and related literature in ways not possible in printed indexes. Other communications uses for anesthesia library microcomputers could include electronic mail, electronic networking, and the storage, transmission, and/or accessing of electronic journals. Data control applications include various indexing functions and the construction of online catalogs. References are provided. (KM)