Reviews the development and growth of the ARPANET, a wide-area packet switching network initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1969. Evolution of the ARPANET into the DARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) Internet in the 1970s and current uses of the internet are discussed. (16 references) (MES)

This overview of the OCLC telecommunications network discusses: its scope and applications, user demographics, the system architecture, access, costs, protocols, maintenance, vendor relationships, performance data, and network engineering. (13 references) (MES)

History of electronic mail services (EMS) includes characteristics and potential. Factors to consider in selecting an EMS and means of communicating with different types of systems are discussed with emphasis on software for personal equipment and use of an interconnection service agency. Features of International Electronic Mail Services, Inc.,…

Discusses the need for standards allowing computer-to-computer communication and gives examples of technical issues. The seven-layer framework of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model is explained and illustrated. Sidebars feature public data networks and Recommendation X.25, OSI standards, OSI layer functions, and a glossary.…

Vendors implementing Standard Network Interconnection (SNI) protocols for computer to computer communications can now test their implementation against the Linked Systems Project/SNI Test Facility developed by Library of Congress. The facility is intended to verify correct functioning of SNI protocols for Open System Interconnection (OSI) layers.…

Offers suggestions for etiquette or rules of conduct when using electronic mail systems (EMS) based on experience utilizing EMS for intraorganizational communication in Carnegie-Mellon University Libraries. Transfer of information, democratization of workplace, antisocial abuse, access and learning, privacy, accounts, salutations and conclusions,…

Outlines steps in establishment of ALANET (electronic mail and information service of American Library Association): setting program goals; analyzing internal and external environments; choosing vendor; covering operational and service aspects; keeping up, keeping ahead. Support features (bulletin boards, electronic newsletters) and flexibility in…

Details capabilities and benefits of the Chinese/Japanese/Korean (CJK) terminal developed to operate within the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN). RLIN enhancements to support new terminal (parallel data fields in MARC record for romanized data and CJK data, CJK thesaurus), operating the terminal, and CJK users are discussed. Examples…

Looks back at the innovations/tribulations that went into the making of Merit Network, Inc., Michigan's pioneering Internet provider. Today, Merit is serving as the GigaPoP organization for its two current Internet2 members, Michigan State University and University of Michigan, and will provision a vBNS connection for Wayne State University.…

Defines and discusses the equipment and software needed to start telecommunicating: modems (speed, autodial or manual dial, stand-alone or built-in), telephones, telecommunications software, and commercial information services, including electronic mail and bulletin boards. Definitions, communications protocols, equipment features, and costs are…

An online system designed to help global environmental research, the electronic research system called Eco-Link draws data from various electronic sources including online catalogs and databases, CD-ROMs, electronic news sources, and electronic data subscription services to produce briefing booklets on environmental issues. It can be accessed by…

Describes the first library-sponsored Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS), begun in November 1981 at North-Pulaski Branch of Chicago Public Library. Examples of logon routines, menu displays, recent features of the People's Message System, and censorship statements are included. BBS sources (noting address and price) and a nine-item…

Reviews the history of the network that supports the MELVYL online union catalog, describes current technological and policy issues, and discusses the role the network plays in integrating local automation, the union catalog, access to resource databases, and other initiatives. Sidebars by Mark Needleman discuss the TCP/IP protocol suite, internet…

Illustrates an approach for providing networked access to licensed databases over the Internet by positioning the library between patron and vendor. Describes how the gateway systems and database connection servers work and discusses how treatment of security has evolved with the introduction of the World Wide Web. Outlines plans to reimplement…

Reports on an initiative by the Toronto Public Library to create the "Virtual Reference Library" (VRL). Describes the first service to be offered, a Dewey application called "Science Net." Discusses the VRL and its precursor, objectives, basis for its funding, technical aspects, progress to date and future direction. (AEF)