One of the first big shifts in how libraries manage resources was the move from print-journal purchasing models to database-subscription and electronic-journal purchasing models. Libraries found that this transition helped them scale their resources and provide better service just by thinking a bit differently about their services. Likewise,…

This article discusses network security for libraries. It indicates that there were only six exploit (security exposure) problems, worldwide, reported to the CERT Coordination Center back in 1988. In that year, the CERT had just been established to provide a clearinghouse for exchanging information about network security problems. By 2003, the…

Discusses issues involved in the creation of the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Telecommunications technology is described; support from industry and libraries is discussed; and problems with NREN are raised, including equal access to computerized information, privacy issues, and protection of First Amendment rights. (LRW)

In order to ensure that the United States maintains an advanced information infrastructure, the Council on Competitiveness has started a project on the 21st century infrastructure. Participating in this project are the many different parties who are providing and using the infrastructure, including cable companies, regional Bell companies, long…

This white paper proposes bringing the federal government, state governments, and the private sector together as part of a new approach to making high-speed Internet services available across the country. It proposes the creation of a new federal Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) that, together with matching funds from the states and the private…

Discusses electronic bulletin boards that have been created by U.S. government agencies and suggests a method to make the information they contain more accessible to libraries and the public. Costs and technological issues are considered, and an appendix describes networks and computer programs that would facilitate access to government…

Discusses networked document imaging systems and describes necessary software features. Highlights include desktop workstations; network architecture; modular application software; images from a variety of formats; merging images with text; editing functions; managing an electronic library; document delivery formats; and printing. (LRW)

Describes plans by the Council of Great Lakes Governors, which includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio, to develop an information highway linking state governments, computer and research networks, telecommunications providers, and universities. Highlights include the Internet,…

Discusses policy decisions that led to the privatization and commercialization of NSFnet; explains the roles of IBM, MCI Communications, and ANS (Advanced Network and Service); and suggests the role that the federal government should take to ensure that the NREN (National Research and Education Network) addresses issues of public access and…

Discussion of the right to privacy of communications focuses on privacy expectations within a National Research and Education Network (NREN). Highlights include privacy needs in scientific and education communications; academic and research networks; network security and privacy concerns; protection strategies; and consequences of privacy…

Describes the Government Information Locator Service (GILS), designed to help the public identify and acquire federal government information as part of the evolving National Information Infrastructure. Highlights include background information; use of GILS through the Internet; and agency-based information services, including the Government…

Discusses implications of using the Internet for library technical services. Topics addressed include creative uses of the Internet; three basic applications on the Internet, i.e., electronic mail, remote log-in to another computer, and file transfer; electronic processing of information; electronic access to information; and electronic processing…

Reports on a conference sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that addressed issues surrounding public access to government information, particularly in electronic format. Case studies of successful public access programs are described, and the National Research and Education Network (NREN) and other networks are discussed. (two…

Follow-up on the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS) presents President Bush's message to the U.S. Congress on the conference, together with a discussion of WHCLIS resolutions relevant to the concerns of the American Society for Information Science (ASIS). Major concerns are identified as networking,…

An online system designed to help global environmental research, the electronic research system called Eco-Link draws data from various electronic sources including online catalogs and databases, CD-ROMs, electronic news sources, and electronic data subscription services to produce briefing booklets on environmental issues. It can be accessed by…