Describes the emergence of communities of digital library (DL)research and practice, explores directions of digital libraries arising from these communities and speculates on future directions which point toward the need for extensive research in digital libraries and for the transformation of libraries as institutions. (AEF)

Discussion of the possible changes in Hong Kong in 1997 when rule passes to the People's Republic of China focuses on the uncertain future of libraries and librarians. Topics discussed include the political climate; the departure of qualified Chinese librarians; and the growth of libraries and computerized systems. (LRW)

Introduces the nine papers in a special issue focusing on progress toward digital libraries. Articles fall into three categories: history and activities about digital libraries (DL); understanding digital library users; and extending and integrating through digital libraries. (AEF)

Examines the purpose of catalogs, how card catalogs first fulfilled that purpose, and how computers represented a superior and inevitable replacement for it. Describes some recent developments in cataloging and their implications for the future. (AEF)

Explores the future of reference librarianship within the context of the enabling technologies that will chart library development in the 21st century. The article types libraries into categories of "traditional,""automated,""hybrid," and "digital." The typology delineates shifts in human/machine…

This paper discusses the role information can play in the development of African countries in the 21st century. It stresses that development information can only be guaranteed when libraries in Africa computerize their systems, form networks for resource sharing, and take advantage of the benefits of information technology (IT), especially CD-ROM…

The Library of Congress asked the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (CSTB) of the National Academies to conduct a study to provide strategic advice concerning the information technology path that the Library of Congress should traverse over the coming decade. The Committee on an Information Technology Strategy for the Library of…

Examines the role of the online catalog in school libraries. Addresses the evolution of the online catalog, discussing connectivity, integration of technical and public services, networked hardware and software, user interface, and searching the catalog. Discusses the dual role of the library media specialist, of managing the catalog and offering…

This paper discusses changes at the University of Science and Technology Library (Ghana). The first section provides historical background and summarizes current services, including the collection, the facility, the university's network of faculty/school/institute/center libraries, main library departments, staff, and automation. The next section…

Provides an overview of school libraries in Israel. Highlights include a historical background of school library development, including teaching library skills, developing curriculum, and reading guidance; problem areas, including funding shortages, the need for improved physical facilities, public libraries, and classroom library collections; and…

This compilation contains copies of the following library documents that presented recent cases for new space: (1) Excerpts from "Harnessing Technologies to Unleash Their Potential" and "Kelvin Smith Library. The Electronic Learning Environment--Transforming Access to Knowledge: A Program Statement" from Case Western University…

Outlines five projects currently funded by the United Kingdom's Electronic Libraries Program (eLib): HyLiFe (Hybrid Library of the Future), MALIBU (MAnaging the hybrid Library for the Benefit of Users), HeadLine (Hybrid Electronic Access and Delivery in the Library Networked Environment), ATHENS (authentication scheme), and BUILDER (Birmingham…

Librarians have paid insufficient attention to the conflict on college and university campuses about the role of print and digital resources in the library of the future. Effective communication with all sectors of the academic community, especially those maintaining a strong loyalty to books, will be essential as hybrid print and digital…

The Council on Library Resources was created to address the problems of libraries and is now committed to the most significant library problem of all, ensuring that library resources are embraced as part of the solution for people who seek to solve their own problems and those of their communities and institutions. In this annual report, the…

Libraries have long been pivotal community institutions--public spaces where people can come together to learn, reflect, and interact. Today, information is rapidly spreading beyond books and journals to digital government archives, business databases, electronic sound and image collections, and the flow of electronic impulses over computer…