Software maintenance features for library systems

The authors deal with the concept of managing software within a library system. Deleted parts, library blocking, and multiple maintenance support, three advanced features that can be implemented in many file-based library control systems, are discussed. They can provide programmers with a development and maintenance environment that will allow them to maximize time spent writing new code and minimize time spent maintaining multiple versions of old code. They can also help management get a better idea of the state of a particular project as it progresses through its life cycle. The concept of deleted parts involves retention of data on parts that previously existed in the library control system. Library blocking allows `viewability´ of parts in a library system to be controlled on a part-by-part basis. The multiple maintenance library concept helps maintain quality software by monitoring the library system for software changes