Discusses multipoint interactive video networks and describes experiences with two networks in North Carolina, the MCNC CONCERT (COmmunications network of North Carolina for Education, Research, and Technology) and the Vision Carolina network. Digital video is explained, and issues concerning various components of the telecommunications industry…

Describes the design, construction, and implementation of a statewide library Gopher for Virginia that was developed as an Internet navigation tool for users of the Virginia Library and Information Network (VLIN). Highlights include resources for Gopher developers, examples of menus, coverage of locally produced materials, and Virginia information…

Offers a tutorial on telecommunications that covers the basic concepts, types, techniques, and protocols of data communications. Current scenarios for computer communications networks, their connectivity to global telecommunication environments, and global online retrieval services are discussed. Ten data communication networks and seven online…

Examines the globalization of information and its implications for locally implemented online library systems. Global factors include worldwide telecommunications networks and the need for standards, and local factors include the importance of databases, multilingual requirements in libraries, and regional networking capabilities. Discusses how…

Discussion of information needs in a business environment focuses on how to build a shared information network. Highlights include the evolution of corporate intelligence systems; results of a survey that examined the information networking needs of large corporations; and a case study of the development of an information network at Citibank N.A.…

Reviews developments related to standards in electronic and networked information. Discusses traditional library and Internet communities, and notes the importance of having a supporting infrastructure in place. Topics include: Z39.50; Z39.56 Serial Item/Contribution Identifier (SICI); Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Protocol; character set standards;…

Presents an overview of information infrastructure development in Latvia and discusses the role of the Latvian Academic Library. Describes Latvia's telecommunications, information network, data transmission, and electronic information services and reviews the types of electronic information sources that have been created. (Author/JMV)

Discusses the National Information Infrastructure and the role of the government. Topics include private sector investment; universal service; technological innovation; user orientation; information security and network reliability; management of the radio frequency spectrum; intellectual property rights; coordination with other levels of…

Compares the use of a telefacsimile network and the Internet-based software, Ariel, for interlibrary loan document delivery in the Health Sciences Libraries Consortium. Topics discussed include document processing efficiency, impact of the Ariel workstations on interlibrary loan procedures, interlibrary loan policies, and possible prototype…

Outlines reasons for ineffective information exchange between Russia and Western countries and how these barriers have been gradually removed since 1990. Examines steps Russia has taken towards becoming involved in a global information infrastructure. Describes "Russia OCLC," an online computer library center project that supports the…

Identifies basic concepts of a networked digital library and the effects on traditional information service and formats. Describes selected projects in information automation and delivery. Highlights research projects at six universities concerned with digitizing information to be made available via communication networks. Discusses the role of…

Suggests uses for the NII (National Information Infrastructure) for education and lifelong learning. Highlights include educational benefits of technology; current uses of telecommunications for education, including instructional video and distance learning; the role of various federal, state, and local agencies; telecommunications in the…

Discusses the concept of a global library made possible by recent technological, social, and economic changes. Topics addressed include universal information access, the information superhighway, the shift toward a learning-oriented society, the contemporary role of libraries, the need to form a global coalition, and barriers to a global library.…

Describes two phases of the automation of library and information services in mainland China. From 1974-86, much effort was concentrated on developing computer systems, databases, online retrieval, and networking. From 1986 to the present, practical progress became possible largely because of CD-ROM technology; and large scale networking for…