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…

Since its founding in 1990, the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) has focused on publishing and accessing intellectual property. This article presents an interview with CNI's new executive director, Cliff Lynch discussing future changes, scholarly communication and the Internet, the University of California Berkeley's MELVYL, computer…

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)

Includes six special reports: "Libraries and the National Information Infrastructure" (Peter R. Young and Jane Williams); "Library Cooperation and Networking" (JoAn Segal); "Mexican Information Resources in Electronic Format" (Shirley Ainsworth); "The International Role of U.S. Librarians" (Hannelore B.…

Discusses the development of the National Research and Education Network (NREN), the emerging National Information Infrastructure, and their implications for libraries. Topics addressed include the growth of commercial accounts in the Internet; the role of government; national legislation; and the expanding role of telephone and cable television…

Provides an overview of the state of libraries and their resources in Croatia. Highlights include destruction of libraries resulting from the war; the need for centralization, uniformity, and standards; the role of the National and University Library; processing library materials; and the development of an automated system and network. (Contains…

Discusses the concept of cyberspace, defines three different levels that have been or will be attained, and compares it with mediaspace; examines the concept of virtualization, particularly the virtual library, and defines three different levels; and describes the concepts of cybrarians, cyberocracy, and cyberology. (Contains seven references.)…

Discusses issues relating to the public interest regarding the National Information Infrastructure. Topics addressed include access, including access to the physical infrastructure and resources and access as a service provider; information rights, including privacy, intellectual property, freedom of speech, and government information; public…

Twenty-five papers presented at the conference include papers on the role of the site coordinator in a distributed education network in Ontario; student support systems in the Open University of Israel; the dilemmas of designing a computer mediated communication support system; interactive libraries; tutoring in technical science in the Open…

Describes the strategic plan developed for reference services offered by OCLC Online Computer Library Center to provide easier access to, and use of, information and knowledge. Topics addressed include the environment of libraries and publishers, including budgets, networks, and pricing, and future plans, including an emphasis on online products.…

Fundamental changes in the economic structure of library and information services are forcing a reexamination of values and policies. Technological advances are shifting the debate from "fee or free" services to broader issues; and changes in the way information is created, valued, and distributed are changing public- and private-sector…

Examines visions of libraries in 23 science fiction novels aimed at young adult readers. Aspects of librarianship explored include physical environment or building; reference and user services; networking and data transfer; librarians; electronic publishing and material format; and copyright, user fees, and freedom of access to information.…

Discussion of the proposed National Information Infrastructure (NII) focuses on the need for the NII to assist educational institutions, libraries, governments, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out their responsibilities for public access to information. New communications technologies are discussed; the role of librarians is examined; and…