Integrating machine-readable data files and microcomputer software (combined as MRDF) into traditional library and information services by incorporating a MARC format for them into the bibliographic networks will increase access to those materials. Standards for their bibliographic control have been developed and progress is being made in their…

Discusses the effects of microcomputers on online services and products from the perspectives of the major participants in the online industry--database creators and providers; service or network operators; libraries and information brokers; and end users. Ongoing developments and trends affecting participant groups are reviewed. Three references…

School computer networks range in size from a single-classroom link to a statewide arrangement. Experiences, advantages, and problems encountered in implementing a local area network are discussed. (MLF)

Discussion of the potential effects of fiber optic-based communication technology on information networks and systems design highlights library automation. Topics discussed include computers and telecommunications systems, the importance of information in national economies, microcomputers, local area networks (LANs), national computer networks,…

This report on the microcomputer-to-mainframe link highlights advantages and weaknesses of each system when used independently; technical considerations for link (personal computer emulates a dumb terminal, data transfer, selective data access category, nongeneric links); how librarians can use the link; availability of software; and planning for…

Survey of the history and current development of information technology covers hardware (economies of scale, communications technology, magnetic and optical forms of storage), and the evolution of systems software ("tool" software, applications software, and nonprocedural languages). The effect of new computer technologies on human…

Important features of local area networks (LAN) are reviewed, and several microcomputer LANs are described (ARCnet, Hinet, ShareNet, Ethernet, Omninet, PLAN 4000). Results of survey of 10 libraries using or planning to use a microcomputer LAN and considerations in choosing a LAN are reported. Forty-one references are cited. (EJS)

Some of the major trends in the merging of videotex and personal computer technology are outlined in this promotional brochure, one of 10 in a series on videotex, a system which uses standard transmission links to transmit information in text and graphics to a television set or computer monitor. Topics addressed include the NAPLPS standard (North…

Examines technical solutions to problems of conventional scientific publishing (rapid growth, literature scatter, increasing costs, excessive delays in publication), and explores new ways of disseminating research information. Publication forms of scholarly journals, past and present, and developments in computer networking and microcomputer…

Because of the drastic reduction in prices and the availability of versatile, inexpensive software, the home computer today is enjoying an exponential growth and may be effecting a fundamental change in mass communication and processes. Existing media suffer from many inherent limitations and offer unspecified audiences very low or no referability…

The evolution of online home information systems, the nature and function of such systems, and their potential for wide-scale use are discussed in detail. Different types of home information systems, including one- and two-way interactive television, are described, and the unique technological features of the teletext, viewdata, and videotext…

Discusses the need of developing countries to set up local databases and exchange information; outlines Unesco General Information Programme's role in this context; describes a specific Unesco program to help member states acquire and use microcomputer software; reviews criteria for software selection; and describes the program's implementation…

Produced to provide educators and library media personnel with some understanding of and direction in the rapidly expanding field of microcomputers and their applications, this monograph includes several articles dealing specifically with media center applications and others concerned more generally with the microcomputer in educational settings.…

Overview of the impact of information technology on libraries highlights turnkey vendors, bibliographic utilities, commercial suppliers of records, state and regional networks, computer-to-computer linkages, remote database searching, terminals and microcomputers, building local databases, delivery of information, digital telefacsimile,…

Examines microcomputer uses by United Nations to make information accessible to users in member states and steps promoting international information system microcomputer use. Discussion covers bibliographic and nonbibliographic applications, related software and hardware information handling packages, and problems of linking microcomputers with…