U.S. public libraries provide free public internet services to the communities that they serve, but require robust, high-speed broadband internet connections to continue meeting public demands. The 2008-2009 "Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study" ("PLFTAS") illustrates challenges that public libraries encounter in achieving broadband…

The functions of electronic mail and online catalogs are described, and the possible uses of the two in conjunction for library purposes are explored, including notes between librarians, broadcast news, patron notifications, selective information dissemination, and interlibrary loans. (Author/CLB)

Describes the advances in telecommunications and compact storage technologies that make it possible for electronic bookmobiles to provide a full range of information services. The feasibility of the widespread use of such bookmobiles is considered in view of the high cost of the technologies involved. (19 references) (CLB)

Discusses the need to reassess the objectives of online public access catalogs and how those objectives might be met before costly investments are made in electronic versions of "other data" for online catalogs. Several objectives are outlined and their feasibility in the modern telecommunications environment is examined. (two references) (CLB)

A study of the libraries cooperating in the Fox Valley (Wisconsin) Interlibrary Loan Network compared alternative equipment and communications scenarios which would satisfy the functions desired by the libraries. The dominant communications need identified through a survey of network participants was the sending of interlibrary loan requests among…

Describes major developments in book approval plans used by academic libraries for acquisition and for information dissemination and document distribution services based on approval-like concepts. Topics addressed include publishers; marketing; the impact of library automation; value-added services; the economic climate; the influence of…

This paper examines the history of academic libraries with special emphasis on the beginnings, growth, and progress in the uses of technology in those libraries. The earliest libraries were maintained for the preservation of knowledge and information. Access to the items in these collections was limited. With the growth of higher education in the…

The first of two articles describes the development of a protocol for interlibrary loan communications by the National Library of Canada, and discusses the benefits derived from standards that allow libraries using different communications equipment to exchange messages. The second discusses the impact of the standardized protocol on…

This report proposes establishing sufficient technological capability within New Jersey's K-12 classrooms and public libraries in response to the universal service mandate of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Sections cover: (1) Goals; (2) Networked Education and Life-Long Learning Model for New Jersey Schools and Libraries, Technology…

Questions the wisdom of permitting visions of the electronic library to drive budgets and strategic planning. Social and economic realities limiting user access to information, new roles for librarians, and models that guide management of information resources and services by real librarians for real users are discussed. A proposed action agenda…

Many futurists envision that the development of information technology will greatly impact the libraries of tomorrow. In response to this prediction, the Montgomery County (Maryland) Department of Public Libraries conducted a study of key trends and issues that the Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) must consider if they are to remain a…

Suggests that the traditional concept of library resource sharing achieved through interlibrary loan cannot be justified and proposes expanding resource sharing to all library functions with information resources represented in machine-readable form accessible via data communication networks. The changes that would occur in the publishing process…

This plan sets forth approaches for state-level assistance for Oklahoma libraries to exchange information and to share or acquire machine-readable information from public and private sources through telecommunications, as well as for access to these libraries for existing and future state informational databases. Objectives and requirements are…

This document describes an investigation designed to examine the possibilities for using both existing and new technologies to increase and enhance public service capabilities at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Library, and to recommend an ongoing mechanism for assessing priorities for the application of technology in the…

This report presents the results of a feasibility study of statewide multitype library networking in North Carolina. Potential network functions, products, services, sources, and costs are covered, but questions of network governance, management, and funding are not directly addressed. The report begins with background information and a…