This description of Info Trac, a laser disc periodical reference system, reviews professional reactions to the system and several user studies. Criticisms are discussed to define the role of such systems in research libraries, and data are presented in five tables. (17 references) (MES)

Outlines the development of the Houston Area Research Library Consortium's CD-ROM union catalog and presents hypotheses on the impact of the union catalog on resource sharing, especially with regard to the University of Houston libraries. Interlibrary loan borrowing is examined, procedures are described, and enhancements are suggested. (two…

Digital imaging technology, which is used to take a computer picture of documents at the page level, has significant potential as a tool for preserving deteriorating library materials. Multiple reproductions can be made without loss of quality; the end product is compact; reproductions can be made in paper, microfilm, or CD-ROM; and access over…

The Yale University Library, one of the earliest developers of preservation microfilming practices, is today engaged in the first stages of a long-term and comprehensive effort to develop practical systems for the conversion of microfilm to digital image, and thereby to develop an understanding of the appropriate relationship of the two…

Examines the combined self-interest model used in cooperative collection development discussions in light of social science models of a loosely coupled system. Topics addressed include a history of cooperative collection development; the Research Libraries Group (RLG) Conspectus; and the OCLC/AMIGOS Collection Analysis CD. (27 references) (LRW)

Develops the argument that academic research libraries should use their materials budget to provide access to materials in all formats, including machine readable information in both locally available systems and commercially owned remote online databases. (CLB)

Based on the conference theme, "Finding Ways: Excellence under Pressure," papers presented at the 1986 meeting of the association include: (1) "Coping with Budget Pressure: A Public Services Librarian's View" (Janet C. Lu); (2) "The Librarian, the Accession List, and the Database" (B. C. Wehrman); (3) "New Start:…

Arguing that new technologies such as telefacsimile, electronic publishing, and electronic document delivery are altering the processes of communication and the response of libraries to scholars' needs, this paper provides a vision for the future, particularly with regard to the impact of electronic publishing on the traditional roles of academic…

This publication contains the following essays: (1) "Das Bibliothekssystem der Ruhr-Universitat Bochum: hochschul-und stazungsrechtliche Grundlagen" (Bernhard Adams); (2) "On Appropriate Librarianship: The Genesis of the Library of Today, and Its Possible Exodus Tomorrow" (Maurice B. Line); (3) "The Challenge to Library…

Discusses the impact that network technology, electronic publishing, and Internet communication are having on collection development policies in research libraries. Highlights include changes in the research library environment, including financial difficulties; scholarly communication; workstations for material selection; and materials in…