Discussion of the potential effects of fiber optic-based communication technology on information networks and systems design highlights library automation. Topics discussed include computers and telecommunications systems, the importance of information in national economies, microcomputers, local area networks (LANs), national computer networks,…

This paper presents an interim report of a nationwide study of microcomputer networking in American libraries and information centers. The purpose of the project is to evaluate the relevance of currently available networking systems for use in libraries and information centers. Two major aspects are investigated. First, using a sample of libraries…