This discussion of the role and effects of microcomputers in the information industry considers technological advances of recent times and how they may affect the future. Complexity of systems and systems control, problems of communication (machine-to-machine, machine-to-human), spread of microcomputers, and information networks and systems are…

Reviews internal and external dimensions of library environment that must be taken into account by library managers when choosing an integrated library system. The selection, acquisition, and implementation stages of Maggie III--a computerized library system sensitive to the internal and external organizational environment--are described. (MBR)

Overview of recent developments in field of telecommunications, especially newer transmission media and equipment, highlights new information services and systems (telebanking, teleshopping, videotex); opportunities for libraries (storing material, information generation, provision of equipment, library management); reasons for adopting new…

Recognizes a need for systematic standardized mechanisms to identify, locate, and describe Internet resources. Discusses the initiatives for organization of networked information resources, the development of subject search tools, and the need for global efforts to maintain a catalog and to review online information for currency. (JKP)

Four conference presenters discuss and define the concept and implementation of interactive television, focusing on transmission technologies; how one interacts with programs; who is involved with interactive television; and potential services enabled by new technologies. (JKP)

Describes interconnection methods, speed, and comparative equipment costs of networking starter kits. These kits supply network-connection devices that plug into or connect to each computer that is part of a network; they may also provide interconnection cables and installation software needed to set up a network. Reviews 20 kits that use a…

Describes development and implementation of microcomputer system for request handling, recordkeeping, and invoicing at the Centre for Scientific and Technical Information (CSTI) Document Delivery Service of the South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Unforeseen advantages of the system are reviewed, including electronic…

Discussion of computer-mediated communication (CMC) focuses on the use of electronic mail (E-mail) in the information field. Topics discussed include human aspects of CMC; examples of E-mail use in libraries and information centers, including the Danish Science Park Network (DSPN); and the use of E-mail for personal information systems. (48…

Identifies two types of applications software for microcomputers: (1) communications, file transfer, and search assistance software, which facilitates intelligent access to external databases; and (2) software to support local database creation and searching. Functions of each type of software are described and examples of commercial packages are…

Provides a detailed description of the microcomputer hardware and software used by the Euronet-Diane Launch Team for automating a number of functions associated with online searching. Background, login procedures, program architecture, maintenance problems, comments on lessons learned, and suggestions for avoiding difficulties with this type of…

This overview of local library online systems that integrate several functions covers functional integration, benefits of integrated systems, turnkey systems, minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems, interfacing automated systems, types of interfaces, linking homogenous and heterogeneous systems, role of vendors, library applications, linking…

Summarizes OCLC's linking strategy for national networks, i.e., the Internet and the National Research and Education Network (NREN). The telecommunications environment for libraries is discussed and aspects of network links are considered, including governance, performance/support, economics, and future developments. Planning strategies for…

Considers three-dimensional impact of future information society on libraries--diffusion of information technology (library automation, electronic bibliographic control, remote access to library); transformation of societal systems (appearance of information literacy educational system, intelligence infrastructure); and changing human needs (goal…

Examines the possibility of constructing an online international union catalog from machine readable entries originating in different countries and discusses use of MARC-compatible records as records that can be converted to MARC algorithmically. Sources of cataloging records, problems generated by merging, and resolution of problems are…

Discussion of legal and ethical issues raised by the growth of research networking focuses on two general areas: (1) communication, prepublication, and publication; and (2) the network as a distribution environment. Issues considered include joint authorship, rights in computer conferencing, derivative works, control of dissemination, site…