Discussion of the Global Information Infrastructure (GII) focuses on a longitudinal study conducted in Central and Eastern Europe that investigated two issues: (1) the relationship between computing networks and library automation in establishing a national information infrastructure, and (2) requirements for library automation for exchanging…

Lists the speakers and summarizes the issues addressed for 12 panel sessions on topics related to networking, including libraries and national networks, federal national resources and energy programs, multimedia issues, telecommuting, remote image serving, accessing the Internet, library automation, scientific information, applications of Z39.50,…

Presents a library automation vendor's perspective on networking based on activities at Ameritech Information Systems. Topics discussed include the information explosion; information technology; user expectations and needs; remote access; the library of the future; systems integration; ownership versus access; copyright laws; and the role of the…

The Alliance Library System (ALS) is one of 12 regional library systems in Illinois, providing a full spectrum of support services for 300 member libraries of all types (public, school, academic, and special) located in west central Illinois. This paper describes the process by which ALS implemented a voice/video/data network connecting their four…

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…

Describes telecommunications and networking developments in Australia that provide increased communication and cooperation opportunities for libraries, as well as linkages to international information sources. Staff attitudes, document access and supply, the current situation of Australian academic libraries, and the concept of a distributed…

"Intranets"--web sites written and used internally by organizations--are being developed as a means of enhancing communication, improving productivity, and reducing costs. The University Library at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is in the early stages of developing an Intranet. Considerations that led the library to establish an…

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Libraries designed and implemented a fast and efficient method of transferring materials between and among the UNL campuses for users of the UNL Libraries. The prior array of services were difficult to use and did not serve all patron types. That system relied upon student workers to retrieve and deliver…

Summaries of presentations made at the Technology at the Library of Congress conference held in May 1986 describe new technologies that the library is applying to its programs and services, including advances in bibliographic control; automated acquisitions systems; computer-to-computer communications; linking of national bibliographic utilities;…

Argues that advanced networks, particularly BITNET, NSFNET (National Science Foundation Network), Internet, and NREN (National Research and Education Network) can simplify global networking as well as library functions and interfaces; provide easier and more cost-effective connection of the research and education communities; and transport very…

The eight papers in this collection were presented at the meetings of three sections of the Division of Management and Technology: (1) "Distributed Intelligence in Library Systems: Prospects and Problems" (S. Michael Malinconico); (2) "Library Cooperation Based on Information Technology Networks: A Vision for a European Library Future" (Morten…

Examines three topics related to electronic publishing and distribution: the national context, including NREN (National Education and Research Network); issues of market readiness, funding, delivery standards, access software, intellectual property concerns, and pricing and licensing models that must be resolved; and descriptions of seven services…

Discusses virtual libraries, i.e., library services available to users via personal computers; considers the issues of technological development, user demands, and organizational response; and describes progress toward virtual libraries in the Netherlands, including networks, online systems, navigation tools, subject classification, coordination…

Discussion of integrated library systems focuses on the development of the Ohio Library and Information Network (OhioLINK). Capabilities of eight existing systems are described, including catalog creation and maintenance; the online public access catalog (OPAC); circulation, interlibrary loan, and document delivery; acquisitions and serials…

Based on a presentation at the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), this article discusses a university-based computer network that would support electronic publishing. Highlights include the influence on libraries and librarians; technical and operational standards; economic factors; and institutional planning. Six sidebars address other…