Many libraries are or soon will be offering Wi-Fi, also known as wireless networks. The largest perceived barriers to providing this service are concerns about security. The prime rule when deploying Wi-Fi is segregation, having a clear separation between a public wireless network and the rest of the library?s network. A number of devices can be…

The topic of open systems as it relates to the needs of libraries to establish interoperability between dissimilar computer systems can be clarified by an understanding of the background and evolution of the issue. The International Standards Organization developed a model to link dissimilar computers, and this model has evolved into consensus…

Describes Library 2000 at the Georgia Institute of Technology, which provides remote electronic access to a catalog of more then 350,000 books and documents, as well as access to the indexes to four extensive periodical databases. (MES)

Describes the advantages of the development of open systems, i.e., a configuration which combines software and hardware from separate vendors into a single system, as a means of increasing the possible applications of library automation. (CLB)

Introduces concepts of server security and includes articles and sidebars of firsthand accounts of consequences of not devoting enough time to security measures. Outlines the following factors to consider when evaluating a server's risk potential: confidentiality/reproducibility of the data; complexity of the system; backup system and hardware…

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;…

Illustrates an approach for providing networked access to licensed databases over the Internet by positioning the library between patron and vendor. Describes how the gateway systems and database connection servers work and discusses how treatment of security has evolved with the introduction of the World Wide Web. Outlines plans to reimplement…

This book provides basic information about the World Wide Web and serves as a guide to the tools and techniques needed to browse the Web, integrate it into library services, or build an attractive, user-friendly home page for the library. Chapter 1 provides an overview of Web basics and chapter 2 discusses some of the big issues related to…

Presents selection and design considerations to help libraries make informed decisions about hardware configurations of CD-ROM systems. Highlights include CD-ROM configurations, including single drive workstations, daisychains, and jukeboxes; network configurations, including remote access; microcomputer features; CD-ROM drive selection; and…

DCE (Distributed Computing Environment) is a collection of services, tools, and libraries for building the infrastructure necessary for distributed computing within an enterprise. This articles discusses the Open Software Foundation (OSF); the components of DCE, including the Directory and Security Services, the Distributed Time Service, and the…

For the purposes of this digest, productivity is defined as ways in which library and information services can assist agencies, industries, and individuals in producing goods and services effectively and profitably. Two fundamental issues that affect productivity are access and control; two major strategies for improving productivity are…

This two-page digest briefly outlines some of the technological trends in updating a library, and briefly discusses the administrative issues and strategies involved. It begins by describing the wholly integrated information environment, which would include: (1) public-access personal and professional communications networks; (2) information…

This description of workstations, i.e., multipurpose computers expected to become one of the dominant forms of computing in higher education, focuses on computer vendors and market considerations. Highlights include hardware requirements, cost factors, the relationship of vendors and educators, software development problems, and possible future…

The Universal Dataflow and Telecommunications (UDT) Occasional Papers distribute information on the use of networking, information technology and telecommunications by and of interest to the international library community. This occasional paper is comprised of three papers related to technologies in Russian libraries: (1) "The First Russian…

Technological advancement in academic library resources sharing, networking, and information transfer have developed dramatically in the past decade, with institutions (including nonacademic libraries) finding themselves hard pressed to acquire the resources necessary to institute or otherwise improve their networking capabilities. Further, these…