This paper describes the impact that technological change over the past few decades has had on a number of key interfaces to the library catalog, including the user, resource, abstract/index, and union catalog interfaces. Areas of focus for future development are then highlighted, including: (1) reassessing data requirements and conventions in…

This tutorial on packet radio (communication system using radio and digital packet-switching technology) highlights radio transmission of data, brief history, special considerations in applying packet radio to library online catalogs, technology, defining protocol at physical and network levels, security, geographic coverage, and components. (A…

Reviews history of events leading to the Linked Systems Project and describes two major components: communications facility and applications programs. The initial application--sharing of authority data based on the Library of Congress Name Authority Cooperative Project--is discussed, and future applications and their implications are briefly…

Examines usage scenarios for a database of descriptive information to access networked information resources such as online library catalogs, file archives, online journal article repositories, and information servers. Existing classification schemes and their usefulness for networked information resources are discussed. Specific data elements…

Discussion of the concept of a virtual library focuses on the needs of the user. Topics addressed include searching remote library catalogs and databases; the availability of information through the Internet and other networks; and the expertise needed by library staff to instruct and assist users. (11 references) (LRW)

Describes ANLI (Adaptive Network Library Interface), an interface to an academic library's online catalog that links documents through interactions with users. Topics addressed include relation to neural networks; system design issues, including network management; the architecture of the ANLI; and the ANLI as a research tool. (Contains five…

Describes "Maggie's Place," the library computer system of the Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado Springs, Colorado, noting its use as an electronic card catalog and community information file, accessibility by home users and library users, and terminal considerations. (EJS)

Identifies the several functions which contribute to the total bibliographic record structure of the country, dividing the bibliographic record system by market type--government, nonprofit, and for-profit--and by function--shared cataloging, interlibrary loans, online catalogs, circulation control, serials control, and acquisitions. (Author/JL)

Discusses the use of the Z39.50 standard for information retrieval in the British Library's efforts toward networked information retrieval and online public access catalogs in cooperation with the European Union and other countries. OSI (open systems interconnection) and project ONE (a collaborative project in the European Union) are explained.…

Outlines a database constructed at Philip Morris Research Center Library which encompasses holdings and circulation and acquisitions records for all items in the library. Host computer (DECSYSTEM-2060), software (BASIC), database design, search methodology, cataloging, and accessibility are noted; sample search, circ-in profile, end user profiles,…

This overview of MELVYL, the University of California's online union system, describes the databases included; network capabilities; software; distributed computing efforts; interfaces; new user needs, including integration with a user's environment, assistance in evaluating material, and assistance in evaluating resources; and the user community.…

Discusses electronic information resources related to former Soviet and east European studies that are available through academic communications networks such as BITNET. Descriptions and access information are provided for online library catalogs, databases, discussion groups, listservers, and electronic journals. Electronic mail links with former…

Describes the latest modifications being made to OASIS, a front-end enhancement to the University of California's MELVYL online union catalog. Highlights include the X Windows interface; multiple database searching to act as an information network; Lisp implementation for flexible data representation; and OASIS commands and features to help…

Incorporated in the National Library of Canada's (NLC) digital library initiatives are projects relating to digitization, collecting Canadian networked electronic publications, development of virtual catalogs, metadata creation, and preservation of digital resources. Issues relating to collaboration, access to digital collections and databases,…

This network planning paper discusses creation and maintenance of authority files as one of the essential components of bibliographic control, which is a prerequisite to the access of information. Authority files impose consistency on the organization of information and thereby greatly facilitate information retrieval. In the creation of a union…