Outlines the features and drawbacks of Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS). Praises the ease of use for end users and the variety of documents and other information available, but cautions users about searching problems resulting from the use of relevance ranking schemes. Calls for greater librarian involvement. (EA)

Access to database information in libraries will increase as licenses for tape loading of data onto public access catalogs becomes more widespread. Institutions with adequate storage capacity will have full text databases, and the adoption of the Z39.50 standard, which allows differing computer systems to interface with each other, will increase…

Integrating news services into an intranet can be tricky. Even within related organizations, slight differences in subscriptions and end-user needs can necessitate different integration approaches. This article examines how the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund took separate approaches to tackle the same integration challenge in…

Describes the use of file transfer protocol (FTP) on the INTERNET computer network and considers its use as an electronic publishing system. The differing electronic formats of text files are discussed; the preparation and access of documents are described; and problems are addressed, including a lack of consistency. (LRW)

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)

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)

Describes the State of Iowa Libraries Online project (SILO) which was developed to demonstrate new information technologies available to libraries. Focuses on two interlinked components of the project: Web-based union catalog development and statewide deployment of the ANS/NISO Z39.50 information retrieval standard. Includes recommendations for…