This overview of the telecommunications environment discusses: (1) influences of technology, economics, politics, and government; (2) legal separations and jurisdictions; (3) pricing policies; and (4) bypass of local facilities. Probable changes and impacts on national and local information servers, local telecommunications carriers, and…

Within the last 20 or 30 years, some technologies have mushroomed that have not only revolutionized the discipline and practice of librarianship and information management, but also christened our age as the Information Age. This paper identifies the technological breakthroughs that ushered in the Information Age and are transforming librarianship…

The next wave of personal computers will be smaller, lighter, and easier to use. In addition, there will be increased speed, memory capacity, and standardization. Administrators will be limited only by their imagination in the use of this technology. (MLF)

Describes development of system for retrieval of documents from magnetic storage that uses stored font definition codes to control an inexpensive laser printer in the production of copies that closely resemble original document. Trends in information equipment and printing industries that will govern future application of this technology are…

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…

A practical view is offered to leaders, managers, and teams of how to think about their companies and reinvent them without losing the value and knowledge embedded in their current organization. Organizations can break through challenges and recognize entirely new business opportunities through the creation of interlocking, boundary-crossing…

This article examines the role of advanced networks such as the National Science Foundation Network, with emphasis on their potential in improving information distribution and access in college and university libraries. Questions are posed concerning technical, political, institutional, and human aspects of networked information. (DB)

This newsletter features innovations in resource management and information technology to support New York State government. The newsletter contains the following six sections: (1) "Electronic Commerce: Government Services in the New Millennium" -- examining the need for government involvement in electronic commerce policy and…

Discussion among teams of administrators from eight major universities concluded that new opportunities exist for the publication, acquisition, and distribution of knowledge; libraries can add to their traditional resources and services by utilizing new technology; and librarians will need to add new skills to ensure important roles in the future.…

Describes predicted trends in telecommunications, including integrated service digital networks and fast packet switching networks. The possible effects on the worldwide exchange of scientific information, the need for international standards, and preliminary planning activities are discussed. (CLB)

This essay on the future of reference librarianship addresses elements necessary to guarantee continued vitality of the profession. Discussion covers person-to-person contacts with library users, recreational functions of library, fees and "information stamps," organizational structure of library, information consulting, project-team…

This article presents a discussion of current and future effects of telecommunication satellites. Children need to be made aware of possible satellite applications and risks. Background information, teacher resources, classroom activities, and a children's booklist are provided to help prepare a telecommunications teaching unit. (DF)

Information technologies such as computer mediated communication (CMC), virtual reality, and telepresence can provide the communication flow required by high-speed management techniques that high-technology industries have adopted in response to changes in the climate of competition. Intra-corporate CMC might be used for a variety of purposes…

In tomorrow's research library, students and researchers will be able to find and retrieve a variety of materials without leaving their computer workstations. Traditional library facilities will be augmented by "virtual libraries" with primarily electronic, not physical, access to collections. This trend will require redefinition of services and…

Videotex is a generic term used for any electronic system that can be used to retrieve both print and graphic computer-based information via video display monitors or specially adapted television sets. Both one-way (broadcast videotex) and two-way (interactive videotex) exist; these can be used as an information source, a delivery medium, a…