This overview of the Research Libraries Group (RLG) discusses historical background, collaboration, new needs and expectations, the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), the CitaDel service, the ARIEL service, the Eureka service, the Zephyr server, and JACKPHY-Plus Script Development, and preservation. (JLB)

Traces the development of national computer networks and discusses the need for the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Topics discussed include ARAPNET, Internet, BITNET, NSFNET, the role of the government, legislative status, the Coalition for Networked Information, policy issues, technological requirements, and libraries and NREN.…

Discusses networked information resources used by reference librarians in research libraries. Highlights include the NREN (National Research and Education Network); the Internet; network architecture; the national information infrastructure; the effect of electronic information on reference desk transactions; the changing nature of research; the…

While university libraries have a long tradition of preserving scholarship, they are less experienced in the technology-dependent and computer networked environment. By taking advantage of current activities and expertise that exist in various parts of the institution, policies and practices can be linked that will engender long-term…

Three papers are compiled here for research library directors: (1) "Background: Open Systems Interconnection," in which David F. Bishop provides fundamental background information to explain the concept of the emerging technology of linked systems and open systems interconnection--i.e., an agreed upon standard set of conventions or rules…

This report on a machine-readable data files workshop highlights unresolved issues related to innovative approaches to collecting, describing, and providing service for computer files in research libraries. The remarks of four of the workshop speakers are presented. Margaret Johnson of the University of Minnesota gives a comprehensive review of…

Reviews major trends affecting traditional interlibrary loan and document delivery, including rising prices, table of contents indexing services, fax technology, the Internet, interlibrary loan subsystems of bibliographic utilities, and integrated library systems with patron-initiated services. Two examples of the development of new document…

Describes The RightPages Service developed by AT&T Bell Laboratories library and computer researchers to enable AT&T employees to access the library from their workstations. The service incorporates ASCII text, bitmap images, and an alerting service. Copyright issues, user interface, image and text processing procedures, results, and…

Describes the functions of the Information Technology Section at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library: (1) maintains and supports the library computer system; (2) develops software; (3) trains staff; (4) enables staff to make technical suggestions; (5) communicates library requirements to campus technical support unit; and (6) advises…

Discusses changes in scholarly and cultural records resulting from the transition from print to electronic information. The role of libraries is considered, including licensing agreements, interlibrary loans, broadcast media, networks, preservation of records, and dangers of centralization; and problems with reliance on electronic information…

Describes the library at Rockefeller University and considers how it may be a model for future research libraries, i.e., the distributed library relying on remote resources. Highlights include resource sharing and interlibrary loan; research and scholarly interactions focused outside the library; decentralization of research information; and a…

Presents a model approach to data services in academic research libraries through the Machine Readable Data Center, an information center established at the University of Minnesota to facilitate end-user access to government data files such as the Census. Organizational issues, service issues, and collections issues are addressed; and future plans…

Describes the creation and purpose of the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries (CARL), the subsequent development of CARL Systems, and its current research projects. Topics discussed include online catalogs; UnCover, a journal article database; full text data; document delivery; visual images in computer systems; networks; and implications for…

Discusses the impact that network technology, electronic publishing, and Internet communication are having on collection development policies in research libraries. Highlights include changes in the research library environment, including financial difficulties; scholarly communication; workstations for material selection; and materials in…

This publication describes the results of a 1992 survey of Association of Research Libraries member libraries to determine the extent to which they are becoming virtual libraries, i.e., libraries in which computer and telecommunications technologies make access to a wide range of information resources possible. Areas covered by the survey included…