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,…

Discusses librarians and electronic mail, use of Listservs by librarians, libraries on the Internet, redefining online public catalogs, searching databases on the Internet, finding a personal librarian in hyperspace, and the future of libraries on the Internet. (SR)

Discussion of the Internet highlights its use in libraries and the need to teach patrons what it can and cannot be used for. Topics include the number and variety of existing sources, vendor organization and reliability issues, speed, quality control and regulation issues, and permanence of sources. (LRW)

Summarizes issues raised at the 1991 spring conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries/New England Chapter (ACRL/NEC) concerning computer networks and libraries. Highlights include national information policy; library resources and services; developments at the National Agricultural Library (NAL); ILLINET; resource sharing in…

Describes free-nets as free public access community-based computer systems; explains how libraries and librarians participate in the free-net movement; discusses Canadian free-nets; considers the public library/free-net analogy; and provides a survey of library services on Internet-accessible free-nets and civic networks. (Contains four…

Discussion of the NREN (National Research and Education Network) and issues of access focuses on the role of the public library. Highlights include current uses of the Internet; resource sharing; guidelines for public library service; availability of the Internet and NREN through public libraries; and a sidebar that lists sources of further…

Suggests strategies for finding information in gophers that will increase access to Internet information resources for library users. Highlights include search strategies; veronica searches; jughead searches; keyword lists; Boolean operations; gophers with subject menus; subject guides; listservs; and World-Wide Web. (eight references) (LRW)

Provides an overview of CD-ROM networking technology in libraries. Six systems currently in operation are evaluated; operational experiences in libraries are discussed, including the need for user education; networking between CD-ROM networks and integrated library systems is described; and future possibilities are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of microcomputer-based workstations that are provided for public access in libraries. Criteria for workstations are discussed, including standard hardware, open-design software, scalable interface, and connectivity options for networking; systems that provide full-text access are described; and the need for standards is…

Briefly discusses six issues related to the use of CD-ROM in libraries and provides sources of information on each issue. The issues discussed are pricing and costs; user preferences for CD-ROM; networking as a means of meeting high demand for CD-ROM; media options; strategic planning to meet demands; and bibliographic instruction. (10 references)…

Describes computer networks that support scholarly research and explains the idea of a colibratory, i.e., a collaborative, distributed, experimental scholarly information network that is analogous to a traditional library. Information resources that could be available are discussed, technological considerations in networking are described, and…

Offers a new approach to evaluating reference librarians, as well as a new standard of evaluation based on a study of exemplary reference librarians that was conducted via electronic networks. Characteristics of exemplary reference librarians relating to attitude, professional skills, and interpersonal skills are described. (Contains 28…

Provides an overview of the current state of networking technology in rural libraries and describes a model for educating rural librarians in accessing electronic networks. Topics discussed include information needs in rural libraries; telecommunications technology access in rural areas; and examples of services to enhance information access.…

Discussion of the rapid growth of information and information sources focuses on the role of librarians in promoting and providing literacy programs. Topics addressed include global views; effects of illiteracy; electronic computer networks; and the need for librarians to become more active, visible, and politically aware. (LRW)

Discusses school librarians' use of telecommunications to provide access to electronic resources and information databases outside the school library. Examples are given of services provided through the Internet, including electronic mail, file transfer protocol, Gopher, Wide Area Information Server, and World Wide Web. (five references) (LRW)