Describes plans for a European information network that will link the nations of Europe together in providing easy access to data bases from all parts of the world and in all fields of science and technology. (Author/PF)

Discusses political questions raised by the existence and growth potential of the online retrieval industry because it is privately owned and profit oriented. The user fee debate, information ownership, danger of manipulation, libraries as marketers, library action, and a library database consortium are highlighted. Seventeen references are cited.…

Describes West Virginia Statewide Automation and Networking Plan, a single fully integrated and interfaced system, which links resources of public, college, and special libraries to users either in libraries or otherwise throughout state. Virginia Tech Library System software and off-the-shelf hardware and the network, telecommunications, costs,…

Summarizes four options for libraries that want to offer end user searching: end user systems (Bibliographic Retrieval Service's Afterdark, DIALOG's Knowledge Index); front-end microcomputer software (Sci-Mate Searcher, Pro-Search, WILSEARCH); gateway services (EASYNET); and local databases (now available on floppy and compact discs). Advantages…

Predictions of the effect of technological change on society in the home, the workplace, and in public and academic libraries in the future are presented. Topics discussed include the problem of inaccurate data, access to information, videodisc technology, "telematics" (the combining of computer technology and telecommunications), cable…