Describes the Special Collections Database (SCDB), which is being developed by Ohio State University to provide better access to its special collections through item level bibliographic records for nonbook items. It is noted that these collections include fiction, the theater arts, music, photography, and the graphic arts. Copies of draft…

This CIDS bibliography lists 239 research papers prepared by members of the Archivist Career Training Program from 1979-1993. Individual papers are listed alphabetically by author within the year in which they were produced. Topics covered include access to records; archival administration, theory, and training; automation; classified materials;…

The creation of rules and procedures for cataloging archival collections was made difficult because of the nature of archives and manuscript collections and the challenge of describing them. Discusses definitions and principles; accessioning and arrangement; inventories, the core descriptive finding aid; integrated descriptive programs; and…

Summarizes the elements of the Cornell-Yale digitization model and shows how Michigan State University (MSU) has expanded the model, focusing on a project to digitize the American Radicalism Collection of the MSU Libraries. Issues of selection, quality, integrity, longevity, and access are discussed. Sidebars present MSU digitizing procedures,…

Argues that the growing use of technology is beginning to erode the free library ethic by blurring distinctions between commercial and not-for-profit information suppliers and fostering competition between and among various suppliers. It is suggested that libraries need to implement new entrepreneurially oriented management structures to cope with…

Reviews the development of the Vatican Library from the papacy of Leo III (795-816) to the present. The current status of the library is described, including print and nonprint collections, acquisitions and major bequests, access to the collections, and programs and services offered to scholars. (CLB)

Because of space and staff constraints, the Vatican Library can issue only 2,000 reader cards a year. Describes IBM's Vatican Library Project: converting the library catalog records (prior to 1985) into machine readable form and digitally scanning 20,000 manuscript pages, print pages, and art works in gray scale and color, creating a database…

This paper provides background on The National Library of Estonia (NLE), discusses a fellowship project for developing the National Library, and presents the impressions of the author, an Estonian American, who traveled to Estonia. The NLE looks to the West for automation, information, and institutional modeling. The NLE is Estonia's equivalent of…

Discusses reasons for developing electronic reserves (i.e., digital collections of library reserve materials), as well as technical and content options, intellectual property issues, and the issue of equitable remuneration for use of intellectual property in electronic reserve, including recent Australian developments. Experiences at the Monash…

Describes Web-based online public access catalogs (Web OPACs) and other Web-based tools as gateway methods for providing access to library collections. Addresses solutions for overcoming barriers to information, such as through the implementation of proxy servers and other authentication tools for remote users. (Contains 18 references.)…

The WEBrary(R) databases at the Morton Grove Public Library (Illinois) provide patron-accessible searchable databases, easily available over the library's Web site. Database offerings include the locally maintained Song Collection Index, Obituary Index, Continuations Listings, On-Order files, topical and personalized New Acquisitions files, and…

Addresses the topic of digital libraries from a planning perspective and examines policy issues. Discusses developing collections by providing access to remote files and/or creating a local collection; funding; considering what to digitize; copyright issues; storage costs; converting paper-based collections and catalogs; and reasons why to…

Throughout 1999 and 2000, 234 academic institutions in Canada--66 university libraries and 168 college libraries--were asked to respond to a survey of library services for off campus users. Previous surveys were conducted in 1984 and then again in 1988. It was felt that with the advent of the World Wide Web, increased levels of library automation,…

Examines retrospective conversion in Spanish university libraries. Highlights include automated book collections; standardization; library cooperation; personnel; user access to online catalogs; and the reconversion situation and methods. Found that the fastest method of reconversion is by employing a vendor. (AEF)

Describes services offered at the Dag Hammarskjold Library at the United Nations (UN). Highlights include adopting new technology for a virtual library; the international law collection which is now accessible through the World Wide Web; UN depository libraries; material available on the Internet; the Optical Disk System, a storage/retrieval…