The four types of libraries - special, academic, public, and school - collectively constitute a large part of the knowledge available in Canada. Consequently, a scientific and technical information network will be heavily dependent on these established library collections. Communications across the "type of library" boundaries is…

Discusses the use of global computerized information networks through statistics and examples of the involvement of various countries. Topics addressed include growth of the global network; countries that lack any connections; the value of information; librarians and the network; and exploring the Internet, including gopher sites. (Contains 29…

This article provides a brief glimpse of the National Lending Library at Boston Spa in Yorkshire which is the primary bibliographic resource center for science and technology in Great Britain. (Author)

A pilot project was conducted from May 1980 to November 1983 to test the application of iNet--a decentralized, packet-switched telecommunications network--to bibliographic data interchange in Canada. The principal components of the project were participation of the Bibliographic Common Interest Group (BCIP), a group of libraries with stand-alone,…

Describes research networks available in Canada and planning for a high-speed network called CANARIE (Canadian Network for the Advancement of Research, Industry, and Education). Potential library applications of research networks are discussed, including information retrieval, interlibrary loan, document delivery, shared cataloging, and…

Describes free-nets as free public access community-based computer systems; explains how libraries and librarians participate in the free-net movement; discusses Canadian free-nets; considers the public library/free-net analogy; and provides a survey of library services on Internet-accessible free-nets and civic networks. (Contains four…

Surveys the impact of computers and related technology on reference work in Australia highlighting online information retrieval and related databases; Australian Information Network; coverage of Australian material in local and foreign databases; Australian Bibliographic Network; electronic mail; Australian Consortium for Social and Political…

Discusses the author's report, "The Future of the National Library of Canada," in terms of its scope, intent, and limitations. (CHC)

Discusses the basic philosophy underlying the provision of service by state libraries and how these libraries can adjust this philosophy and their lines of authority to get involved in the forthcoming dissemination of government information. References are provided. (CHC)

Reports on an initiative by the Toronto Public Library to create the "Virtual Reference Library" (VRL). Describes the first service to be offered, a Dewey application called "Science Net." Discusses the VRL and its precursor, objectives, basis for its funding, technical aspects, progress to date and future direction. (AEF)

Prestel is an interactive videotex system which has been available to the public in the United Kingdom since the late 1970's. Recent research funded by the British Library Research and Development Department provided public libraries with access to Prestel and monitored their reactions to the services. Aims of the trial were to promote Prestel by…

This report considers the effects of new technology (online search services) on user access to information; the role of libraries in providing such access; the structure of a future national information network in the United Kingdom; and general managerial considerations. Seventeen references are cited. (EJS)

This paper describes the progress made under the ELISE II electronic image library project from a technical standpoint. The ELISE II project is a European-wide initiative that aims to provide a comprehensive electronic image library service for Europe. It is funded under the European Commission, DG XIII-E, Telematics for Libraries Initiative. The…

Reviews the role of resource centers and their forums in South Africa and examines their influence on the shifting models in library and information work leading up to the 1994 general election. Highlights include historical background; government attitudes; traditional library services; funding; influence of the World Bank; rural area service;…

Describes the development of the French Minitel videotex system and reports results of a survey of Internet users regarding the use of Minitel. Telecommunications and government involvement are discussed; business, political, cultural, and sociological perspectives are considered; Minitel use in libraries is reviewed; and expansion in the United…