Explores the open information interchange (OII) initiative to promote the use of standards in the exchange of information in electronic form. Activities in the European Community, including the IMPACT (Information Market Policy Actions) programs, are described; the information economy and the information market are considered; and information…

This review of the events leading to a planned materials information system in Europe focuses on national policies and actions the Commission of the European Communities. Recommendations issued by a 1982 workshop are discussed, and the objectives and development of a planned demonstrator program are outlined. (11 references) (CLB)

Explores the information market in the United States from the perspective of information scientists from the Netherlands Council for Libraries and Information Services (RABIN). Highlights include empowering the end user; the new information infrastructure; facilitating access; document delivery; electronic journals; new markets; pricing; and…

Reviews European attitudes toward information policy developments in West Germany, and describes recent activities undertaken by the German private sector, plans to reorganize the Society for Information and Documentation, and the federal government's specialized information program. The policies, structure, and activities of the Scientific and…

Describes the development of centralized library networks and the current factors that make library sharing on a smaller scale feasible. The discussion covers the need to decide the level at which library cooperation should occur and the possibility of linking via the Open System Interface Reference Model. (37 references) (CLB)

Examines the potential for U.S. monopolies in scientific, technical, and medical publications and distribution. Highlights include Europe's position; subsidies from government sources; the role of modern technology; the Internet; the need for European information infrastructures; linking users with producers; issues of copyright and ownership; and…

Describes a Delphi study conducted for the Netherlands Council for Libraries and Information Services (RABIN) to forecast the future of information services in the year 2000. Highlights include information supply; information attributes; user needs; substitution of print by electronic information; the role of publishers; generic coding; and…

Discusses the theoretical basis for integration of information functions and communication functions, the relevance of this integration in the scientific information cycle, and its positive effect on commodity research networks. The application of this theory is described using three commodity programs of the Centro Internacional de Agricultura…

Discusses the effects of trends in health care services, including an emphasis on primary health care and patient involvement, on the information needs of health care professionals and managers. A proposed information network that would provide point of use access to sources of health care information is described. (three references) (CLB)

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…

Reports on a survey of heads of special libraries in Nigeria that revealed a need for training in and access to information technology in library schools and special libraries. Greater funding for technology, participation in international networks and professional associations, and utilization of international fellowships for further study are…

The 10 papers in this collection discuss the database industry in Australia and New Zealand, networking activities in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, intellectual property protection of databases, the development of land information systems in Australia, the development of expert systems, the use of optical data disks,…

Discussion of the relationship between users, librarians, and vendors as it has been influenced by electronic databases and communications networks highlights experiences at Aston University (United Kingdom). Topics addressed include mediated searching; direct user access to databases; impacts on staff; user demand; costs; CD-ROM networks;…