To acquaint library administrators with the economic issues of library networking, this guide of the Western Interstate Library Coordinating Organization (WILCO) outlines possible problems of a national technical services network. Market structures such as monopolies and oligopolies can exist among automated services, brokered services, and in the…

Although originally compiled and published for the California Library Telecommunications Project (an analysis of the telecommunications needs and opportunities for the California State Library on behalf of the state's 169 public libraries), this report also cites examples of, and proposes options for, electronic text use in public libraries…

Libraries and information centers are rapidly becoming an integral part of American Indian life. Individuals, organizations, and tribes have come to the decision that libraries and the information services which they offer are necessary to meet Indian goals. Although these goals may vary widely from improved access to education, cultural…

Describes the federal College Library Technology and Cooperation Grants program designed to assist college and university libraries in acquiring technological equipment and conducting research in information technology. Topics addressed include history, structure/process, reviewers, criteria, and trends. (JLB)

This guide begins by describing the OCLC database, including ways in which it is used by librarians and library patrons; countries reached by OCLC; programs intended to enrich the database, e.g. retrospective conversion projects; cataloging formats (books, serials, sound recordings, musical scores, audiovisual media, maps, archives and…

This collection of papers addresses the impact of rapidly changing telecommunications technology on libraries. A brief introduction by James L. Divilbiss sets the stage for the following papers: (1) "Making Sense of New Technologies and New Legislation" (Joseph Ford); (2) "Selection and Use of Telecommunications Consultants for…

Based on recent study on availability of publications in two developing countries, this article outlines methodology for similar studies in a wide range of settings. Acquisition and interlending policies, barriers to availability, and survey of interlibrary loan demand are discussed. Checklists for discussions, coding instructions, and…

Describes the implementation of an electronic mail system at the University of Calgary Libraries, and reports the results of a survey that examined user satisfaction with the system and usage patterns by library staff. Suggestions for the successful implementation of electronic mail systems are offered. (CLB)

After a brief historical review, various aspects of the conversion from card or book catalog to computer output microform (COM) catalog are analyzed, including initial commitments, database management, bibliographic control, costs, and relations with vendors. Outlines of primary decision-making stages are provided. (Author/JL)

The last of four volumes in a series describing the basic documentation practices involved in the initial setting up and subsequent operation of an information-library organization to provide defense-aerospace scientific and technical information services, this manual consists of three sections. In "Security Storage and Control," Michael…

Presents the model of the Information Service of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center Information Service, including the objectives and tasks necessary to develop an information service, and staffing and funding guidelines for the first two years. (EJS)

Describes strategies used by reference librarians to provide service to the developmentally disabled, including reference service to volunteer and professional service providers, specialized information networks, information and referral services, and key reference tools. Deinstitutionalization, normalization, the developmental model, and least…

Describes six nontraditional online information sources and discusses how they could be used for library services or professional development: (1) ISAAC (Information System for Advanced Academic Computing); (2) NCIN (North Carolina Information Network); (3) Prodigy; (4) The Well (Whole Earth Lectronic Link); (5) America Online (AOL); and (6)…

This introduction to modern telecommunications technology explains key technical concepts and relates them to library functions, identifies available services, and projects development trends in intelligent network services and alternative telecommunication technologies. A glossary and 10-item bibliography are included. (American Library…

This overview of local library online systems that integrate several functions covers functional integration, benefits of integrated systems, turnkey systems, minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems, interfacing automated systems, types of interfaces, linking homogenous and heterogeneous systems, role of vendors, library applications, linking…