This description of an electronic bulletin board used by the Wisconsin Interlibrary Services network to process requests covers hardware, software, costs, advantages of the system, operation, training, maintenance, and problems encountered. (MES)

Discusses a public library system program that provides free public access to microcomputers, noting justification, objectives, equipment specifications, uses and software, staff training, policies and procedures, program implementation, and users. Eight references are listed. (EJS)

Reviews Fast Interlibrary Loans and Statistics (FILLS), a library-specific microcomputer software package designed to enable processing of interlibrary loans in less than 50 percent of manual time. Examples of American Library Association Interlibrary Loan Form, outstanding loan report, periodical requests report, library reports (requests,…

Description of the history of a statewide interlibrary loan and electronic mail telecommunications network highlights difficulties and reinforces the idea that off-the-shelf systems are preferable to in-house system development. Recommendations include: solicit expert technical advice (including review by an independent programmer); choose…

Describes the Reference by GammaFax Project, which joined nine area libraries to provide cooperative reference access to optical disk databases. The configuration of disk players, microcomputers, and facsimile equipment used by the libraries is explained, and the improvements in cost effectiveness, provision of service, and librarian expertise are…

Discussion of the use of microcomputers in a cooperative public library system notes library management applications in areas of clerical work, word processing, book ordering, inventories, special collection catalogs, mailing lists, and a union list of serials. (EJS)

Description of a special library housed in world's largest indoor aquarium highlights history of aquarium and library; the collection supporting animal care-taking, reference, and research activities; archives; computer capabilities; users (primarily staff) and services; and networking and cooperation. Date founded, director, collection and staff…

Details the design, financial support, organizational structure, and evolution of a program to facilitate the automation of small public libraries in Massachusetts and to promote resource sharing among those libraries. A sidebar by Governor Dukakis expresses his views on the role and importance of libraries. (MES)

Describes telefacsimile (FAX) technology and discusses the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania project which is planning to implement a FAX network for member libraries. Guidelines for FAX use within Pennsylvania are included, and sidebar reviews recent developments in FAX add-ons, standalones, and applications. (MES)

Activities of Online Computer Library Center, a nonprofit corporation developed in 1967 that provides a cooperative, computerized network, are discussed. Member, staff, and financial growth; unique subsystems (cataloging, acquisitions, serials control, interlibrary loan, retrospective conversion); problems with terminals, taxes, and competitive…

Identifies the questions librarians should ask before adopting local online, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of CD-ROM and site database systems. User reactions to local online are discussed and the impact of such systems on reference services and the reference librarian's job content are examined. (CLB)

Describes an automation project in Italy in which public libraries share functions such as cataloging and interlibrary loans by setting up a virtual network of microcomputers using TINlib software and exchange data using floppy disks. The operation of the system is described, problems encountered are identified, and future projects are discussed.…

The 15 papers in this collection discuss various aspects of computer use in libraries and several other aspects of library service not directly related to computers. Following an introduction and a list of officers, the papers are: (1) "Criminal Justice and Related Databases" (Kate E. Adams); (2) "Software and Hard Thought:…

Devoted to long range planning for library services, this issue of the Wisconsin Library Bulletin reviews population profiles, economic indicators, social and governmental concerns, trends in education, and current surveys and needs assessments to formulate planning for Wisconsin Library Services over the next five years. Goals and objectives are…

This guide was developed to support Internet access to library catalogs at the University of Georgia (UGA). Since the UGA Libraries can only connect to the Internet using TELNET 3270 emulation, this guide is restricted to library systems which support that protocol. Section 1 of the guide presents the commands that are needed to gain access to the…