The DOS/Batch Librarian

This document describes the DOS/BATCH Librarian (LIBR), a system program designed for managing object modules within libraries in a DOS/BATCH computing environment. LIBR provides functionalities to create, modify, delete, and list the contents of these libraries. A library is essentially a file containing one or more object modules (binary outputs from assemblers or compilers) organized with a directory.

The primary benefits of using LIBR include:

1. Efficiency: It reduces the number of separate directory entries for individual object modules, consolidating them into a single library entry.
2. Expedited Linking: It integrates with the Linker's library search capabilities, streamlining the linking process.
3. Standardization: It allows for controlled updating and standardization of frequently used routines.

Users control LIBR operations by typing command strings, which can specify devices, library names, object module names, and operational switches (e.g., /D for delete, /I for insert, /R for replace, /LO for list). The document details various procedures, including:

• Creating a library: Combining object modules from input files into a new library.
• Updating a library: This covers inserting new modules, replacing existing modules, and deleting modules. Specific order requirements for deletion and replacement are highlighted.
• Listing a library: Displaying the directory and object module contents of a library.
• Naming libraries: Explaining how output libraries are named, including cases where the output library has the same name as the input, implying the deletion of the original input library.

Several examples illustrate the command string syntax and the outcomes of various LIBR operations, covering scenarios like module insertion, deletion, replacement, and library listing. It also notes potential errors, such as attempting to delete modules out of order or referencing non-existent files. A critical caution is provided against naming any user library "LIBR.TMP" as this name is reserved by the Librarian.