Twitter is a microblogging site, one where users send out messages of no more than 140 characters. The messages, known as tweets, can be seen by anyone who follows the account. Twitter is free, but free as in kittens, not as in pizza. To use it effectively, it will take time to learn the language and develop content. When used effectively, Twitter…

A freeze on $3.28 billion in requests for aid under the federal E-rate program has left hundreds of school districts scrambling to pay for their technology needs--and, in some cases, crippled classroom instruction. The E-rate program, which has disbursed more than $8 billion since its inception in 1997, helps link public and private schools as…

Describes the background of and the concept, and purpose of a local file in the Pikes Peak Library District's community resource and information system. The year established, scope and function, and sample records are reviewed for the nine files that currently comprise the system. (two references) (MES)

Presents a history of library cooperation and technological advancement in North Carolina libraries from the Depression years to the early 1990s. Discusses early library cooperation and development of the North Carolina Information Network (NCIN). Describes the seven task forces on: Bibliographic Database, Document Delivery, Funding, Public…

Describes the Electronic Information Network, a project created by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in conjunction with public libraries in Pennsylvania's Allegheny County. The project uses the library's vision, funding, and librarian expertise to provide public access to community information on the Internet. Sidebars present steps and issues…

This introduction to a new column on small automated library systems presents the author's credentials and discusses the topics to be considered, including automation needs of smaller libraries, microcomputer-based systems, network access, implications of automation for administration and staffing, and automation-related problems. (EA)

In 1976 the annual growth rate of interlibrary loans and network referrals within the Northeastern Ohio Library Association (NOLA) increased by 14%. In addition $18,000 from project grants has allowed NOLA to add 1,196 volumes to local collections. The annual report cites statistics and includes local library reports to demonstrate the growth of…

Describes the first library-sponsored Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS), begun in November 1981 at North-Pulaski Branch of Chicago Public Library. Examples of logon routines, menu displays, recent features of the People's Message System, and censorship statements are included. BBS sources (noting address and price) and a nine-item…

Describes free-nets as free public access community-based computer systems; explains how libraries and librarians participate in the free-net movement; discusses Canadian free-nets; considers the public library/free-net analogy; and provides a survey of library services on Internet-accessible free-nets and civic networks. (Contains four…

Discussion of the NREN (National Research and Education Network) and issues of access focuses on the role of the public library. Highlights include current uses of the Internet; resource sharing; guidelines for public library service; availability of the Internet and NREN through public libraries; and a sidebar that lists sources of further…

This pamphlet focuses on the concept of information and referral (I&R) as a system and describes seven highly effective I&R systems that bring together people in need with the human service agencies that can help them. It is noted that when thinking in terms of I&R systems, attention must be directed to the overall quality of the structures and…

This report describes library applications of electronic bulletin board systems (BBS), i.e., telecommunications software designed to receive incoming calls from other computer systems. It begins by explaining the basics of a BBS; describing a typical configuration, i.e., a microcomputer and a modem connected to standard phone line bulletin board…

This issue of "The Bookmark" is a reader, containing a collection of articles that relate in some way to the history and development of the New York State Library and the library development programs for which this library is responsible. Most of the articles--which have appeared in earlier issues of the journal--provide brief views of…

In 1975, the number of interlibrary loans and network referrals within the Northeastern Ohio Library Association (NOLA) increased dramatically, and library circulation increased by more than 15%. In addition, special funds provided for the expansion of collections, greater public contact, and participation in a larger variety of educational…

Describes development of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library's Channel 16, the country's only library television station to produce programming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use of cable television, program administration and budgeting, programming, interactive information and reference services, measuring viewer response, and publicity are…