As another year draws to a close, the author reflects on the trends in play related to library technologies and attempts to anticipate their trajectory going forward. The library economy has not necessarily achieved full recovery from the recent downturn. Nevertheless, the author expects that investments in technology will expand next year. For…

Describes installation and configuration of Mosaic and a World Wide Web (WWW) site at Grainger Library. Challenges include choosing a WINSOCK; customizing Mosaic for public-access computers; reducing security risks; maximizing Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME); designing a home page; producing Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) documents.…

This brief article gives a description of the Open Croquet Project and its applications. The project's Web site describes Croquet as a "combination of computer software and network architecture that supports deep collaboration and resource sharing among large numbers of users within the context of a large-scale distributed information system." One…

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…

The LISTSERV program on the BITNET computer network started as a simple mailing list program for electronic group communication. A revised version of LISTSERV now offers sophisticated new functions and help for users, including file-server functions. Problems with the revised version are noted, and computer commands are provided. (six references)…

Describes new technology being developed by Eastman Kodak for storing 35mm color photos on compact disk (CD) and discusses its applications for desktop publishing. Benefits of photo CD and costs are examined, a proposed universal color standard that is an improved way to represent color digitally is explained, and software is discussed. (LRW)

Provides historical background information about multimedia CD-ROM encyclopedias and evaluates 11 recent releases. Discusses access to information, costs, content, technological developments. Rates the text, multimedia, and user interface. A sidebar provides a 10-year chronology of CD-ROM encyclopedias. (AEF)

Presents aspects of Pullen Library's move from manual to automated management of cataloging statistics, and offers advice to libraries in similar situations. The difficulties included staff resistance, finding the right software package, and spreadsheet training; and the advantage was that the Quattro Pro program reduces complicated spreadsheets…

Describes steps in renovating information service tools: (1) review why organization exists; (2) refocus direction to keep in step with clients and environment; and (3) redefine client's needs. Old tools (books and journals) can be transformed via technology into new tools (full-text CD-ROM products and online interlibrary loan services). (JMV)