Describes the development of a computer network to serve four areas in a high school: general academic use, writing lab, vocational education, and business education. Discusses the initial layout and the three year expansion. (MVL)

Uses a modular approach so the Local Area Network (LAN) can be easily dismantled and reassembled for each class. Notes the course is evolving to keep pace with rapid advances in networking technology although only in its second year. Expands the basic LAN through the addition of second generation personal computers. (MVL)

With the current state of computing and data communication technology, connecting widely dispersed, multivendor computing resources is a complex and expensive undertaking. Network strategies and management issues are discussed. (MLW)

Describes the hardware, operating systems, and expenses involved with linking personal computers in low-cost, small- to medium-sized LANs (local area networks) that permit users to share CD-ROM resources. Purchasing and installing Ethernet hardware, the use of starter kits, assembling individual components, and LANtastic and NetWare Lite network…

The Online Computer Library Center's (OCLC) access options have kept pace with the evolving trends in telecommunications and the library computing environment. As libraries deploy microcomputers and develop networks, OCLC offers access methods consistent with these environments. OCLC works toward reorienting its network paradigm through TCP/IP…

Describes the Bradley Library Information Support System (BLISS), a comprehensive local area network designed to provide library users with electronic information access and management services to support Bradley University (Illinois). System architecture is explained; and six sidebars provide more detailed information on various services, the…

The rapid proliferation of personal computers on many campuses has raised a number of questions as to how best to support them. An approach based upon network service machines is discussed. These services include mail, printing, plotting, batch execution, file storage, etc. (Author/MLW)

The data communications requirements of California State University, Los Angeles, reflected in its proposals for an integrated voice/data communications system are described. The advantages and disadvantages of three data communications technologies--voice-and-data private branch exchange, data private branch exchange, and the local area…

Describes six nontraditional online information sources and discusses how they could be used for library services or professional development: (1) ISAAC (Information System for Advanced Academic Computing); (2) NCIN (North Carolina Information Network); (3) Prodigy; (4) The Well (Whole Earth Lectronic Link); (5) America Online (AOL); and (6)…

Since electronic networking via microcomputers is fast becoming one of the most popular communications mediums of this decade, this manual is designed to help educators use personal computers as communication devices. The purpose of the document is to acquaint the reader with: (1) the many available communications options on electronic networks;…

Three articles discuss (1) the numbers of microcomputers installed in elementary and secondary schools; (2) a distance education project in the Minnesota Extension Service that used a satellite delivery system and integrated it with a computer information network; and (3) the use of facsimile machines for library services. (LRW)

This special section presents two articles relating to accessing online systems. The first article discusses power availability for portable computers, including batteries and electrical outlets; the second describes two bulletin board systems that provide information about the Internet and its resources for librarians and patrons. (LRW)

Discusses computer networking and the cost effectiveness of decentralization, including local area networks. A planned experiment with a centralized approach to the operation and management of file servers at the University of South Carolina is described that hopes to realize cost savings and the avoidance of staffing problems. (Contains four…

Describes present and future plans for the campuswide communications network at Case Western Reserve University (Ohio). Highlights include upgrading from baseband to broadband technologies; ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)-based networks that allow simultaneous voice, video, and data transmission; strategic planning goals; implications for…

An online system designed to help global environmental research, the electronic research system called Eco-Link draws data from various electronic sources including online catalogs and databases, CD-ROMs, electronic news sources, and electronic data subscription services to produce briefing booklets on environmental issues. It can be accessed by…