The National Information Infrastructure (NII) holds the promise of connecting people of all ages and descriptions--bringing them opportunities to interact with businesses, government agencies, entertainment sources, and social networks. Offering data, examples, and expert commentary, this book charts a path toward enabling the broadest possible…

Describes the development of Usenet, the User's Network, a computer network that distributes group discussions (newsgroups) on different topics. Network News software is described, the rapid growth in popularity and heavy network traffic is discussed, and a hierarchical classification scheme to limit the amount of information for users is…

Explains how the Usenet network's dissemination model differs from electronic-mail-based discussion groups in terms of how users can choose which information best fits their needs. Various methods of limiting excessive numbers of unwanted messages are explained. (EAM)

Describes a vision of the NREN (National Research and Education Network) as a set of public interest user organizations existing within the framework of the larger National Information Infrastructure to provide public information services that are the responsibility of government. The role of the private commercial sector is also discussed.…

Describes how the Commerce Department's Economic Bulletin Board has been linked to the Internet to further the dissemination of government information. Topics discussed include network services; operational constraints; technical issues; costs; identifying potential customers and their information needs; and future plans. (Contains six…

This digest describes proposed legislation for the implementation of the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Issues and implications for teachers, students, researchers, and librarians are suggested and the emergence of the electronic network as a general communication and research tool is described. Developments in electronic…

Describes SeniorNet (an on-line communications network for older adults) and its evolution from a small on-line network to an expanding electronic community. Discusses why older adults connect with SeniorNet, reports network features they use while on-line, and outlines benefits and challenges of bringing telecommunications to older adults. (SR)

Suggests strategies for finding information in gophers that will increase access to Internet information resources for library users. Highlights include search strategies; veronica searches; jughead searches; keyword lists; Boolean operations; gophers with subject menus; subject guides; listservs; and World-Wide Web. (eight references) (LRW)

Discusses the development of the Internet and its uses and applications, including e-mail, information sources, collaborative projects, public forums, and audio/video conferencing. Describes the following Internet tools and resources: Gopher, Veronica, Pine, Telnet, WAIS, Usenet, ListServe, Archie, and World Wide Web. Includes a glossary and…

Describes computer networks that support scholarly research and explains the idea of a colibratory, i.e., a collaborative, distributed, experimental scholarly information network that is analogous to a traditional library. Information resources that could be available are discussed, technological considerations in networking are described, and…

Discussion of the concept of a virtual library focuses on the needs of the user. Topics addressed include searching remote library catalogs and databases; the availability of information through the Internet and other networks; and the expertise needed by library staff to instruct and assist users. (11 references) (LRW)

The effects of CD-ROM networking on system response time was studied at McGill University using WilsonDisc, Dialog OnDisc, and Silver Platter. Using a 10-station local area network, response times were measured for searches using index terms, truncation, and the Boolean "and." Results show that increased numbers of users increased…

This report focuses on the pivotal technical issues associated with the National Information Infrastructure program, security and privacy, interoperability, and reliability, and presents the General Accounting Office's findings on these challenges. It is reported that while the structures and services to be offered by the information superhighway…

While the Internet has been called the world's library for its mass of information, its maze makes quick and easy results elusive. This book acts as a guide to quality research and reference sites on the Internet, compiling and profiling more than 500 ready-for-reference sites. The book also examines the best subject directories; offers tips on…

Discusses the National Information Infrastructure (NII) and its ramifications for educational institutions and the global marketplace. Highlights include components of the NII, including computer hardware, communication networks, computing and information resources, and human resources; the government role in competition, investment incentives,…