Iowa State University has used Authorware extensively for its mandatory library skills class. This article focuses on Authorware features, skills and methods for learning it, and describes a process for creating a tutorial using this computer application. (Author)

Several online vendors discuss the educational and training requirements needed by professional librarians to manage the automation process effectively, including communication and management skills, a commitment to ongoing education, and the ability to evaluate capacities of future systems rather than expert knowledge of current systems.…

Outlines factors used by online vendors to decide whether to bid on RFPs (requests for proposals) for library automation systems, including specifications for software, hardware or performance requirements not met by the vendor; specifications based on competitors' systems; the size and complexity of the request itself; and vendors' time…

Briefly describes the benefits of computer-assisted instruction for library applications in bibliographic instruction and staff training and notes that little quality software is available that is appropriate. Detailed guidelines are provided for librarians to design their own courseware, including planning, designing, writing, programming, and…

Discusses the advantages of parallel processor computers in terms of expandibility, cost, performance and reliability, and suggests that such computers be used in library automation systems as a cost effective approach to planning for the growth of information services and computer applications. (CLB)

Discussion of basic telecommunications concepts includes data terminal equipment, carrier equipment and data communications equipment. Guidelines offered for librarians planning the implementation of a telecommunications network address reliability and costs of equipment, requirements of the system, and ease of use of the system. (CLB)

Focuses on designing a library network to maximize security. Discusses UNIX and file servers; connectivity to campus, corporate networks and the Internet; separation of staff from public servers; controlling traffic; the threat of network sniffers; hubs that eliminate eavesdropping; dividing the network into subnets; Switched Ethernet;…

Describes use of RFPs (requests for proposals) to specify requirements for automated library systems and presents advice on when to use RFPs, how to construct the statements, and how to present library needs and priorities so that maximum success in choosing a vendor and system are achieved. (Author/CLB)

The appearance of revolutionary information technologies must elicit equivalent responses from the library profession. Creating local online databases--information dropshipping--is an activity that public and academic libraries can implement. Through technology, libraries can create a new domain on the production side of knowledge and information.…

Libraries are moving into an era that incorporates improvements of a library's existing databases, embraces the research results of the information-seeking process, and makes fundamental improvements by adding new databases such as WordFocus. These new systems should convert the frustrated user of today's online public access catalog (OPAC) into…

Investigates the effects of electronic information sources on collection development in 15 academic libraries. Areas studied included: the materials budget, collection development policies, and licenses; identifying, evaluating, selecting, and developing the electronic sources collection; training subject specialists to use electronic resource…

Reviews traditional issues surrounding authorization and authentication in an organization-centered framework and introduces new interorganizational issues that dominate networked information environment. Describes three major approaches to authentication and authorization for the interorganizational environment and discusses the following…

Discusses the Inter-CIC Authentication and Authorization Project (ICAAP) of the Big Ten Joint Project (BTJP), a technical group who suggests uses of technology that address business issues commonly shared by Big Ten universities. Describes pilot project goals; the technical, operational, and contractual situation; the World Wide Web transaction…

Describes the process of developing and revising a brochure to guide library patrons in conducting an author search on an online public access catalog in order to demonstrate the application of four steps in production of a functional document--analysis; planning; development; evaluation, testing, and revision. Three sources are given. (EJS)

Several consultants address the issue of competencies required of professional librarians for the effective management of the automation process. Highlights include formal and professional ongoing education and the need for technical training and problem solving skills to enable librarians to evaluate and develop library systems effectively.…