Automation of film library functions.

The use of computer routines in the film library has resulted in tremendous improvements in the prompt interpretation of radiologic studies with comparison studies and in the furnishing of radiologic studies on demand to referring physicians. The four most important aspects of this automation are the simultaneous immediate availability of patient information upon inquiry at a terminal; maximum advance notification of the need for a new folder or a master folder on a returning patient; master folder, subfolder, and examination folder tracking; and the management of extradepartmental loans.