Throughout the history of library automation, the author has seen a steady advancement toward more open systems. In the early days of library automation, when proprietary systems dominated, the need for standards was paramount since other means of inter-operability and data exchange weren't possible. Today's focus on Application Programming…

The wonderful Web 2.0 is a famously slippery concept to define. The very ambiguity of the term is Escheresque, self-referential to its ever-changing meaning. As Tim O'Reilly, CEO of O'Reilly Media, described it, "Like many important concepts, Web 2.0 doesn't have a hard boundary, but rather, a gravitational core." As Illinois State Library's…

In this article, the author argues the need for transparency with regard to the automation systems used in libraries. As librarians make decisions regarding automation software and services, they should have convenient access to information about the organizations it will potentially acquire technology from and about the collective experiences of…

This article discusses network security for libraries. It indicates that there were only six exploit (security exposure) problems, worldwide, reported to the CERT Coordination Center back in 1988. In that year, the CERT had just been established to provide a clearinghouse for exchanging information about network security problems. By 2003, the…

Nowadays, it's possible to look to the open Web for subscription-based services that allow one to sidestep slow-moving institutions in order to serve one's users. More often than not, systems offices will not interfere, as they're heavily involved in triaging their workload. Happily, taking an active stance in learning a new technology before it…

Discusses the possibilities of linking elementary and secondary schools to the INTERNET. The use of technology to improve education by gaining access to greater amounts of information is described; costs associated with joining INTERNET are considered; and possible sources of funding for joining are suggested. (LRW)

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…

Argues that Internet filters are censorship tools that rob librarians of their materials selection responsibility. Six factors that make filters unacceptable are listed. The discussion covers pornography; filter improvements; proposals and solutions; ALA (American Library Association) Bill of Rights to Electronic Information; and library policy…

Discusses online resources that focus on what not to do in Web page design. "Don'ts" include: making any of the top 10 mistakes identified by Nielsen, qualifying for a "muddie" award for bad Web sites, forgetting to listen to users, and forgetting accessibility. A sidebar lists the Web site addresses for the nine resources…

Discussion of the concept of a virtual library focuses on the needs of the user. Topics addressed include searching remote library catalogs and databases; the availability of information through the Internet and other networks; and the expertise needed by library staff to instruct and assist users. (11 references) (LRW)

Discusses the development of the National Research and Education Network (NREN), the emerging National Information Infrastructure, and their implications for libraries. Topics addressed include the growth of commercial accounts in the Internet; the role of government; national legislation; and the expanding role of telephone and cable television…

Examines issues and decision-making involved in restricting Internet access in libraries, for the most part favoring filtering devices. Questions to consider when selecting a filtering program are provided. Some of the better filtering programs are described, and Web addresses are included for each. Security risks associated with Java and…

Outlines the proposed Public Communication System (PCS) being explored at the University of Wisconsin and University of Iowa to provide coalition-based, nonprofit public access to the Internet/NREN (National Research and Education Network) and associated information resources. Funding, organization, prospects for success, benefits to the public,…

Discusses the National Information Infrastructure and outlines proposed legislation and administrative initiatives that suggest a radical restructuring of existing support mechanisms for libraries. The need for an information and telecommunications policy is addressed; the telecommunications industry is described; and access to federal government…

Describes the Cleveland Free-Net, an information networking project of Case Western Reserve University and the Community Telecomputing Laboratory that provides electronic access to resources such as library catalog and reference services, government information, and health information to Cleveland's citizens. (EA)