As another year draws to a close, the author reflects on the trends in play related to library technologies and attempts to anticipate their trajectory going forward. The library economy has not necessarily achieved full recovery from the recent downturn. Nevertheless, the author expects that investments in technology will expand next year. For…

A review is presented of the operations of the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Overviews are provided of ACER activities and future planning in the following programs: (1) social context of education; (2) measurement and evaluation; (3) learning and teaching; (4) survey and psychometric services; (5) advisory services; and (6)…

This paper examines the place of oral heritage in France. The first section provides an overview of oral collections in France from the early 1900s to the present. The study of oral materials is then discussed in the second section, including: research centers within universities or high schools; activities of the Ministry of Culture; development…

The Apple Library (the library at Apple Computer, Inc.) currently reports to the research and development arm of the company, a relationship that has been mutually advantageous. The library has been involved in research through a library users group, a grant program, and a laboratory within the library. (MES)

Describes research networks available in Canada and planning for a high-speed network called CANARIE (Canadian Network for the Advancement of Research, Industry, and Education). Potential library applications of research networks are discussed, including information retrieval, interlibrary loan, document delivery, shared cataloging, and…

A discussion of objectives for an information and documentation center in science and technology is followed by a brief survey of Sri Lanka's research and development system, and an assessment of library and information services available from a research library network, particularly those developed by the Sri Lanka Scientific and Technological…

A series of articles focuses on artificial intelligence research and development to enhance information systems and services. Topics discussed include knowledge base designs, expert system development tools, natural language processing, expert systems for reference services, and the role that artificial intelligence concepts should have in…

Description of information services from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) highlights a new system for retrieving information from NLM's databases (GRATEFUL MED); a formal Regional Medical Library Network; DOCLINE; the Unified Medical Language System; and Integrated Academic Information Management Systems. Research and development and the…

Describes Internet, a collection of telecommunications networks that links government agencies, educational institutions, and other research organizations so that users can share access to databases and files. Topics discussed include problems in identifying what is available; access concerns; ethical behavior; support and training issues for…

Describes cooperation between the national libraries of Europe on access to electronic publications, and outlines reasons why it has been necessary to act at a European level to improve library services. Highlights include the European Union, research and development, Telematics for Libraries activities, national policies, and future…

Suggests that digital resources and telecommunications give librarians the best chance in decades to reexamine and achieve many of their fundamental goals. Discusses the goals of providing the right information in appropriate formats, keeping the intellectual record, providing personalized information services, and serving as educators, and cites…

Discusses the establishment of a digital National Library of Energy Science and Technology, a key initiative that the Department of Energy is pursuing to make its program and research and development information accessible to the public. Describes the program objectives, features of the National Library, potential performance measures, benefits,…

Considers how research in collaborative technologies can inform research and development in library and information science. Topics include computer supported collaborative work; shared drawing; collaborative writing; MUDs; MOOs; workflow; World Wide Web; collaborative learning; computer mediated communication; ethnography; evaluation; remote…

This paper is intended to provide interested librarians with a basic knowledge of research networks (as opposed to library networks), focusing specifically on the manner in which they can be used by the international library community to support library functions and improve access to bibliographic information, as well as the technical and policy…

Describes the development by the Xerox Corporation of an international network of its information centers. Topics discussed include the role of the major research centers; the organization of and services provided by the network; and the development of network products and resources aimed at increased productivity. (eight references) (CLB)