Discusses the use by librarians of BITNET and other national electronic mail networks for note and file transfer. Progress made in developing gateways and network interfaces is described. The problem of smaller libraries without access to large computer facilities and the issue of charging are considered as future concerns. (11 references) (MES)

Special libraries need to be aggressive in participating in all phases of the genesis and development of the network, including the planning process, the making of policy decisions, the provision of financial support, and thee making available of special library resources. (Author)

Describes activities and responsibilities of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACyT), including the design and implementation of the National Information System for Science and Technology. A list of the 20 special libraries throughout the Mexican Republic which are served by CONACyT, as coordinator and/or sponsor, is appended.…

Discusses the networking possibilities open to special libraries, including the benefits of and barriers to participation in a national network. Twenty-one references are cited. (FM)

Discusses the development of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Library System from the viewpoint of a field librarian. Coverage includes how and why the system was formed, factors in achieving cooperation from component libraries, and features of the system. (JPF)

Discusses the administration of the Illinois Regional Library Council. (PF)

URBIN, formed in February 1974, is an informal local level group of urban affairs librarians. (Author)

The advantages of network building among small- to medium-sized libraries catering to multi- or interdisciplinary information users are investigated and the practical application of networking being developed by a group of Washington, D.C.-area urban studies libraries (tentatively named RUIN--Regional and Urban Information Network) is discussed.…

An application of location theory to the question of centralized versus decentralized library facilities for a university, with relevance for special libraries is presented. The analysis provides models for a single library, for two or more libraries, or for decentralized facilities. (6 references) (Author/NH)

Describes the perceived obstacles to library networks use reported by respondents to a survey of special librarians. The discussion covers the need for special librarians to be actively involved in network planning and governance, and for the Special Libraries Association to take a more active role in networking issues. (nine references) (CLB)

Describes the benefits and drawbacks of the use of OCLC in the one-person library at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. Cataloging functions, interlibrary loan, retrospective catalog conversion, dial access to online databases, and training problems are discussed. (JL)

Describes the production of an automated union list of serials holdings at minimal cost by a small consortium of state government libraries in Louisiana. Use of the UNIX Refer system without any modifications for data entry and production is described. (EM)

Reviews the demographic, political, social, economic, and technological trends that will affect special libraries in the near future. Twenty-eight references are cited. (FM)

Special libraries abroad and international cooperative efforts are discussed in six articles. Topics covered include the international role of the Special Libraries Association; the Special Library Program of the U.S. Information Agency; the design of special libraries abroad; regional networks that cross international boundaries; and the…

Discusses the benefits of interpersonal networks to special librarians. Suggestions for pursuing contacts are described, including interdisciplinary connections, professional associations, continuing education and professional development meetings, mentoring, seeking relationships within the parent organization, and setting up individual informal…