Discusses the rationale, methodology, capabilities and problems of a local area network created for the Library Consortium of Health Institutions in Buffalo, using a multi-user microcomputer. The rationale and design of a new network, designed to better meet information and compatibility requirements, are described and suggestions to network…

Discusses the Mitre Corporation's implementation of OCLC's LS/2000 integrated library system using a local area network (LAN). LAN issues--requirements, equipment, reliability, growth, security, and traffic--are covered in general and as they relate to Mitre. Installation of the LAN/system interface and benefits and drawbacks of using a LAN for…

Describes the history and current status of bibliographic control in Japanese libraries, including the necessity for standardizing the combination of Japanese phonetic script and Chinese characters. The results of a survey of bibliographic activities and library automation are presented, and a developing plan to establish Japanese bibliographic…

This discussion of the role and effects of microcomputers in the information industry considers technological advances of recent times and how they may affect the future. Complexity of systems and systems control, problems of communication (machine-to-machine, machine-to-human), spread of microcomputers, and information networks and systems are…

Identifies two types of applications software for microcomputers: (1) communications, file transfer, and search assistance software, which facilitates intelligent access to external databases; and (2) software to support local database creation and searching. Functions of each type of software are described and examples of commercial packages are…

Describes the trend toward decentralization and local, integrated systems in the library network environment. The response of the bibliographic utilities to these trends is discussed in terms of distributed processing systems, participation in the Linked Systems Project, the introduction of new and improved services, and international ventures. (1…

Examines the possibility of constructing an online international union catalog from machine readable entries originating in different countries and discusses use of MARC-compatible records as records that can be converted to MARC algorithmically. Sources of cataloging records, problems generated by merging, and resolution of problems are…

Discusses four megatrends from John Naisbitt's book--"Megatrends"--which have particular relevance to the electronic library: shift from industrial to information society; need to balance high-tech with high-touch; focus on self-help over institutional help; and change in organizational structures from pyramid hierarchies to networks.…

Describes framework for library networking which consists of six interdependent dimensions to be used for decision making by libraries: functions to be performed, type of access information, types of materials, products and services, networking configurations, and communications means. Use of a series of cost models describing activities within…

Briefly describes various types of telecommunication technologies--cable communications (video and nonvideo uses), instructional television fixed service (provides video programing within a 50-mile radius), satellite communications (links in providing nationwide communications)--and explores their applications in libraries. Libraries and…

Reviews the growth of library networks and bibliographic utilities, and describes the concept of a national bibliographic network. The impact of microcomputers, the increased computer literacy of librarians, preferences for local autonomy, and the availability of commercial online services on the desire for a national system are discussed. (CLB)

Describes the Pica Library Automation Network (originally the Project for Integrated Catalogue Automation), which is based on a centralized bibliographic database. Highlights include the Pica conception of library automation, online shared cataloging system, circulation control system, acquisition system, and online Dutch union catalog with…

Describes an evaluation of EasyNet, a menu-driven, dial access information system, in which end users conducted their own searches. User comments are discussed in terms of user friendliness, user satisfaction, user problems, and value for money. (Author/CLB)

Describes various computer conferencing systems and discusses their effectiveness in terms of user acceptance and reactions to the technology. The methodology and findings of an experiment in which graduate students conducted a computer conference using a local area network and produced an electronic journal of the conference proceedings are…

Summarizes the nature and status of videotex, and describes current applications by libraries and information centers, including community information dissemination and information retrieval from bibliographic databases. Prospective uses of videotex and library applications are discussed as well as problems to be overcome before effective videotex…