An investigation of the feasibility of using a computer-assisted decentralized bibliographic control system to build a comprehensive, consistent national database for use in a national library network used the Northwestern On-line Total Integrated System to establish a center for African materials at Northwestern University. Eleven references are…

The five critical years in the development of OCLC (1951-56), the culmination of a century of cooperation between Ohio's colleges and universities, are used to underscore its expansion into a bibliographic utility interconnecting 2400 institutions in the United States and Canada. There are 19 references. (RAA)

Describes experience gained by applying philosophical principles to library serials cooperation between two academic libraries. Philosophical views concerning cooperation; conditions leading to success of the project; serials survey of selected faculty members from English, biology, and economics departments; and proposals based on computer…

Evaluates a cooperative venture in interlibrary lending of periodicals planned and executed by ten midwestern colleges. The study traces the consortium's history from 1967 to the present, describing successes and problems. (RAA)

Traces the development of academic libraries in Australia, noting the important part that federal funding has played, and provides brief sections on library collections (with data tables), accommodation, staff and organization, reader services, automation, cooperation, networks, and the national role these libraries play. (JD)

Six large academic libraries which belong and contribute cataloging to national online networks were studied. Interviews with catalogers, library administrators, and network quality control personnel showed that nationwide evaluation of catalogers' records creates enhanced status and influence for cataloging peer groups and provides opportunities…

This paper analyzes 27 English language published articles and monographic works which present comparisons of the online systems of OCLC and Research Libraries Group (RLIN) and discuss their effect upon library programs. A description of the literature, conflicting perceptions, and system advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. (25…

Examines the dilemmas of participation in resource sharing library networks and proposes solutions based on shifting inducements toward contribution by remunerating the contributing library for the unit cost of original cataloging. A "contribution pricing" model recently announced by OCLC is also evaluated as a possible solution. (21…

Presents results of a survey of users of Florida Library Information Network (FLIN), a statewide multitype interlibrary loan network. The paper centers on the role of academic libraries (the heaviest users) and discusses interlibrary loan staffing, request fulfillment, OCLC utilization, network performance and other factors. Eight references are…

A survey of community college libraries found that they retain traditional bibliographic practices, there is little commonality in the organization of audiovisual materials, and librarians are undecided about participation in computerized library networks. AACR2 seems to have gained acceptance. A summary of the results and three references are…

Describes a cooperative collection development program implemented by the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL) to strengthen resources available for graduate education and research. Topics discussed include funding collection development, the formula for the equitable distribution of funds, research support, and other related activities.…

Describes collection evaluation tool available to Research Libraries Group (RLG) institutions which provides overview, arranged by subject, of existing collection strengths and future collecting intensities of RLG members. Antecedents of the tool and an online version are discussed. Seven references, definitions of collecting levels, and language…

Examines the roles and structures of several European national lending systems to find useful models for guiding future developments at home and abroad. Highlights include the current scene, growth of union catalogs, patterns of collection use, new bases for measuring performance, and charting a future course. (18 references) (EJS)

Networks function as change agents for libraries because they provide three critical services: research and development, capital acquisition, and technology transfer. Areas in which network participation has an impact on academic libraries include the management of change, economic and attitudinal change, and cost accountability. (Author)

Discusses current trends that are predicted to intensify and to change library operations and the way society uses information technology. Trends discussed include focus on user needs; direct user access of electronic information; the obsolescence of first and second generation systems; a contention between optical products and online access; and…