Describes an Edinburgh-based research project that is exploring issues related to reference work in digital libraries, the role of reference librarians with remote access users, library networking, and collaborative reference work. User experiences and librarian work patterns are related to the design of a prototype Web-based network reference…

Compares the more positive library automation experiences of a small public library with those of a large research library. Topics addressed include collection size; computer size and the need for outside control of a data processing center; staff size; selection process for hardware and software; and accountability. (LRW)

Description of how aspects of library automation are dealt with in Norway highlights main centers for library automation (Norsk Senter for Informatik, two universities); Bibsys--integrated library automation system (bibliographic subsystem, circulation subsystem); and Bibnett project (project studying system-to-system communication between…

Describes the historical development of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences Library, and examines the future of scientific libraries in a digital era. Discusses technological changes in the library's policies, services, and organization, and presents an economic analysis of these changes. A sidebar summarizes the library's steps…

Compares a digital reference service that uses instant messaging with traditional, face-to-face reference based on experiences at the Southern Illinois University library. Addresses differences in reference questions asked, changes in the reference transaction, student expectations, bibliographic instruction, and librarian attitudes and procedures…

Reports on a 1987 survey of automation in Australian academic and state libraries. The current situation is described in several areas: (1) turnkey integrated "proprietary" library system suppliers; (2) networks; (3) modules; (4) database issues; and (5) staffing trends. The questionnaire and data on proprietary systems and modules used…

Outlines the service rationale, software and technology considerations taken by the Pennsylvania State University library in planning towards online, real-time reference services and provides an overview of the planned pilot project. Discusses recent trends in academic electronic libraries, including providing value-added services to support…

Reports on a study of CD-ROM products in Nigerian libraries and information centers that gathered information about funding sources, users, hardware configurations, and training facilities through a survey of research, public, and academic libraries. Recommendations for future CD-ROM use are included, and a copy of the survey is appended.…

Discusses rationale for operating an electronic bulletin board in an academic library setting and considerations for software and hardware selection. Experiences related to the operation of a bulletin board system at the University of Minnesota Library are summarized in the areas of goals and rationale, system selection, system configuration, and…

Argues that a mix of quantitative and qualitative measures is most efficacious in library collection analysis. Cases drawn from the literature in which a combination of these measures was profitably applied are considered, and the types of software packages for purposes of data manipulation are discussed. (Contains 15 references.) (KRN)

Considers some of the major technical and organizational issues involved in virtual-catalog production, contrasting them with the traditional union catalog approach exemplified by COPAC, an online public-access catalog composed of academic libraries in the United Kingdom. Suggest a method of integrating these two models of the union catalog.…

Discussion of the role and status of academic libraries in China focuses on automation efforts. Microcomputer-based applications are described; problems are discussed; and technological advances are considered. It is concluded that CD-ROMs in conjunction with microcomputers should be used in the majority of Chinese academic libraries. (10…

Reports on a study of distance learning students in library and information science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that investigated what they need and want from library services. Highlights include library materials; librarians and staff; training and support; appropriate technology use; library role; and working with the…

Details the "painful" history, development, and progress of a "home-grown" library automation system at the Hartford State Technical College; describes several of the most common activities generated from menus; and looks at future prospects of the system. (Author/CLB)

Discusses changes that have taken place within library systems as a consequence of the emergence of new computer-based technologies. Highlights include using electronic documents; electronic libraries; digital projects; educational applications; and a case study of OASIS (Open Access Student Information Service), a document handling system in the…