Describes Project Alexandria, a digital library initiative funded by the National Science Foundation based at the University of California, Santa Barbara, that provides online access to spatial data in a distributed environment with search options by areas of interest on a base map or by text, according to user preference. (Author/LRW)

The introduction to a special issue on locally loaded databases in online library systems discusses three trends in using technology to provide greater access to materials available in library collections: unification of local collections; access to outside resources; and inclusion of reference works and full text in online catalogs. (three…

Describes the development and activities of the Center for Electronic Texts in the Humanities, established by Princeton University and Rutgers University to provide a national focus for the development, dissemination, and use of electronic texts in the humanities. Sidebars explain the Text Encoding Initiative and Standard Generalized Markup…

Presents a statement by the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) that addresses concerns about the current electronic information environment, the desired environment for the future, and the preferred practices for library consortia and their member libraries for the selection and purchase of electronic information. (LRW)

Describes how Murray State University Library, a medium sized academic library in Kentucky, made use of an IBM mainframe and SCRIPT, a text formatting program to index two local newspapers. The entire procedure is described, including indexing, authority lists, input techniques, editing, and production and distribution of the index. (CLB)

Describes a prototype online search system called ASK (Assisted Search for Knowledge) that will provide Internet and dial-up access to an array of databases related to environmental and demographic change. The Global Change Data and Information system that is being organized by federal agencies is described. (Author/LRW)

Reviews the history of the University of Michigan's UMLibText project that was designed to provide expanded and/or enhanced access to electronic information resources. Current holdings on the system are described; access and user support are discussed; use data and trends are examined; and future directions are considered. (Contains two…

Academic clientele expect their library to select the best information and organize it effectively for their personal consumption. Some answers to a hierarchical approach are customization through a MyLibrary feature, a role-based vertical view, and a powerful search engine all built on a rich resource database. Each is discussed. (AEF)

Examines the current status of using the Internet in scholarly research in the field of education. Highlights include learning theory, including cognitive abilities, affective preferences, and learning styles and instruction; access to information; active learning; affordability; collaborative learning; shortcomings of Internet technology use; and…

Discusses some of the theory underlying visual access tools for special collections, introduces a specific World Wide Web application using the technology, and indicates some of the potential of the tool for visual access to images as well as text documents. Appendices include texts of courses used for proximity calculations as well as NASA…

Discusses the applications of computer technology to community information and referral (I&R) services, basic planning considerations for automating an I&R service, and the development of an automated I&R system. Examples of computer supported I&R services in operation are given and the Tulsa City-County Library System's approach…

Presents a summary report of the fall 1991 meeting of the Task Force of the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI). Topics discussed include the flow of networked information; perspectives from the humanities, arts, and social sciences; the potential economic importance of NREN (National Research and Education Network); and information…

Describes CAUL (The Council of Australian University Librarians) which is dedicated to improving access by the staff and students of Australian universities to scholarly information resources. Discusses funding, access to databases, electronic information resources, information infrastructure and network information support, and electronic…

Discusses technology and its effects on society and humans, particularly library and information technology. Highlights include the evolving history of technology; and values related to technology in libraries, including democracy, stewardship, service, intellectual freedom, privacy, literacy and learning, rationalism, and equity of access. (LRW)

Describes the National Agricultural Library's microcomputer-based expert system, which is designed to help users obtain answers to simple reference questions. Building of the system and its linking to external programs and systems are explained, and building of a total information system is proposed. Samples of the program are provided. (CDD)