Discusses computer user authentication and authorization issues when libraries need to let valid users access databases and information services without making the process too difficult for either party. Common solutions are explained, including filtering, passwords, and kerberos (cryptographic authentication scheme for secure use over public…

Several ways in which colleges and universities without direct access to the Internet can make use of its services are offered, including establishing an account with a commercial vendor, using inexpensive local providers, and connecting through nearby campuses. (MSE)

A good security system enables access and protects information from damage or tampering, but the most important aspects of a security system aren't technical. A security procedures manual addresses the human element of computer security. (MLW)

Describes the Government Information Locator Service (GILS), designed to help the public identify and acquire federal government information as part of the evolving National Information Infrastructure. Highlights include background information; use of GILS through the Internet; and agency-based information services, including the Government…

A discussion of tools available for use of the Internet, particularly by college and university educators and students, offers information on use of various services, including electronic mailing list servers, data communications protocols for networking, inter-host connections, file transfer protocol, gopher software, bibliographic searching,…

Follow-up on the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS) presents President Bush's message to the U.S. Congress on the conference, together with a discussion of WHCLIS resolutions relevant to the concerns of the American Society for Information Science (ASIS). Major concerns are identified as networking,…

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…

Discusses how service providers can address the challenge of costs and the need for attractive services valuable to business customers. Focuses on Internet service control; applying intelligent networking features to the internet working services dilemma; and providing access control over network-based applications for Internet virtual private…

This study examines the information sources used by practicing rural physicians in North Dakota to keep current with new information in their area of specialty. The hypotheses tested were: (1) there are more male than female rural practitioners in North Dakota; (2) rural physicians depend on printed material to fulfill regular need for information…

College business officers whose institutions are not connected to the Internet can gain affordable access as individuals. Lists of Free-Net and community network systems in most states and of Internet and on-line service providers are offered. Additional sources of accounts are noted. Common Internet terms are also defined. (MSE)

MyLibrary@NCState (North Carolina State University) is a customizable Web interface to the electronic resources licensed by the library and to the pages that compose the Web sites of the library and the university. The author, part of the MyLibrary@NCState management team, shares the thoughts and ideology behind the design of this personalized…

Explores organizational influence in the policy network that formed around the issue of determining essential services on the Canadian information highway. Qualitative content analysis found the essential services issue had two main aspects: ensuring universal access to telecommunications networks and determining the criteria for defining…

Networking has always been regarded by librarians as an essential tool to facilitate the timely provision of information. Teacher librarians have often been vocal supporters of networking in theory, but in practice networking has been rather a failure. The first part of this paper provides a historical overview of the rationale for networking and…

Many campus networks provide the infrastructure necessary for providing patrons with ubiquitous access to a wide range of information from their desktops with easy-to-use interfaces, in a cost-effective manner. The components of such a system could include: electronic awareness products which would allow faculty to stay abreast of new work in…

Sustainable development, biological diversity and conservation of tropical forests are only a few of the hot environmental and political topics where the actors involved have started to make use of the world-wide computer networks. The Internet (as a transport medium of information exchange) and the World Wide Web (as the favorite service to…