This Helping You Buy survey is the next in an annual series of surveys that have been compiled by Pamela Cibbarelli in past years. This bird's-eye view should serve to both highlight some general distinctions and to underscore the commodified similarities of a wide range of library automation systems.

Illustrates how users can take full advantage of the Internet to communicate and to network. Discusses electronic mailing, listservs and Usenet groups; referring cold connections to a Web page; and designing Web pages for maximum information retrieval by search engines. (AEF)

Provides a brief history of the Internet, highlighting its academic roots, and describes a survey conducted to determine how and why academics use the Internet. Information gathered, presented in seven tables, shows frequency of use; types of resources accessed; levels of computer experience; use of nagivational aids; and reaction to the survey.…

This case study offers insights into the process, pitfalls, and advantages of utilizing an Internet electronic discussion list to form a communication community in an undergraduate course that discussed gender differences. Results of an online evaluation are discussed and the use of electronic communication is considered. (Author/LRW)

Gopher and other early implementations of the virtual library are being superseded by the World Wide Web concept of "the global village library." Public libraries are implementing institutional Web pages, patron access to Internetwide e-mail, interagency programs, and Web training. Legislative issues and implications for the future are…