India is a huge country with a population of more than 1 billion. In India, by tradition, education and learning are highly valued. In fact, India has one of the largest higher education systems in the world, with regard to the number of institutions. Education is a necessity. It is the most effective instrument with which to imbue people with the…

Describes the development of Usenet, the User's Network, a computer network that distributes group discussions (newsgroups) on different topics. Network News software is described, the rapid growth in popularity and heavy network traffic is discussed, and a hierarchical classification scheme to limit the amount of information for users is…

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…

Examines Internet security risks and how users can protect themselves. Discusses inadvertent bugs in software; programming problems with Common Gateway Interface (CGI); viruses; tracking of Web users; and preventing access to selected Web pages and filtering software. A glossary of Internet security-related terms is included. (AEF)

OpenURL resolvers and federated search engines are important new services in the library field. For some librarians, these services may seem "old hat" by now, but for the majority these services are still in the early stages of implementation or planning. In many cases, these two services are offered as a seamlessly integrated whole.…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of integrated software, i.e., software that combines the functions of several independent programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, graphics programs, and desktop publishing so that users can work in a consistent and flexible computer environment. Microsoft Works, a well-known integrated package, is…

Explains how to decide what type of computer to buy for a small academic library, based on software requirements, staff and patron use, and PC technology. Topics include the central processing unit; types of memory; storage devices; ports; multimedia capabilities; modems; operating systems; and monitors. (LRW)

Describes how the Rochester Public Library (Minnesota) managed public access to the Internet for both residents and non-resident patrons. Discusses user needs, staff involvement, system software, fees, and handicapped accessibility. (LRW)

By integrating RSS feeds of new books into their campus' course management system, the authors, a systems librarian (Corrado) and a cataloging/modern languages librarian (Moulaison) at the The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), simplified initial research and spotlighted the library's collections. Faculty members are flocking to this award-winning…

Explains the public printing services available at computer terminals for patrons at the University of Guelph (Ontario) libraries. Highlights include configurations of the public workstations; client and server hardware and software; security features; cost projections; and printing charges. (LRW)

This special section includes two articles that review products and services for the automated library environment. Highlights include ergonomic products; products for visually, hearing-, and speech-impaired users; analog film recorders; computer filters; document imaging systems; electric filing systems; and printers. A list of vendors is…

Describes ways of using CD-ROM technology for the benefit of blind and visually impaired library patrons. Science, reference, and American historical documents that can be converted to braille, large print, or voice output from CD-ROMs are described, and hardware, software, and staff considerations are discussed. (LRW)

Describes experiences in providing real-time online reference services to users with remote Web access at the Bowling Green State University library. Discusses the decision making process first used to select HumanClick software to communicate via chat; and the selection of a fee-based customer service product, Virtual Reference Desk. (LRW)

Discusses issues facing libraries using digital information resources, based on experiences at the Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg library. Topics include comparing electronic resources; goals of providing the service or resource; determining users' needs; resources for access, including networks and financing; software; budgeting;…

This special section on local area networks includes three articles: (1) a description of migration at Joyner Library, East Carolina University (North Carolina) to a new network server; (2) a discussion of factors to consider for network planning in school libraries; and (3) a directory of companies supplying cable, hardware, software, and…