Describes the emergence of resource center forums (i.e., popular information networks) in South Africa in the 1980s and 1990s. Background and objectives are summarized for the Transkei Fieldworkers' network, Natal Resource Centre Forum, Cape Inter-Resource Forum, Transvaal Resource Centre Network, Sekhukhuneland Educational Projects forum, and…

Provides a description of present and proposed plans and strategies of OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) and their relationship to electronic publishing. FirstSearch (end-user access to secondary information), GUIDON (electronic journals online) and FastDoc (document delivery) are emphasized. (JKP)

Provides a suggested model for SCHOOLNET, a voice, video, and data network. Proposes that library media centers should be the site of the SCHOOLNET hub; students and teachers should be able to access the INFOhio library automation system and other information systems; and digital fiber optic hubs and trunk lines should connect school buildings…

Illustrates an approach for providing networked access to licensed databases over the Internet by positioning the library between patron and vendor. Describes how the gateway systems and database connection servers work and discusses how treatment of security has evolved with the introduction of the World Wide Web. Outlines plans to reimplement…

Because North Carolina's telecommunications services have been unable to provide cost-effective, statewide dial-access service to public libraries, the state library has had to identify a suitable alternative for public library network access. This article outlines the state library's efforts to provide access to the Internet and to electronic…

CORC (Cooperative Online Resource Catalog) is an OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) project developing tools and systems to enable libraries to provide enhanced access to Internet resources. A system for hosting and supporting subject gateways-than a gateway itself- relying on large-scale cooperation among libraries to maintain a centralized…

The Online Computer Library Center's (OCLC) access options have kept pace with the evolving trends in telecommunications and the library computing environment. As libraries deploy microcomputers and develop networks, OCLC offers access methods consistent with these environments. OCLC works toward reorienting its network paradigm through TCP/IP…

INCOLSA, Indiana's statewide library and information network was established in 1995 as the result of a voluntary merger of the state's 10 autonomous, mulitype library services agencies. An evaluation was conducted centered on services appearing under three major goals listed in the 1994 plan: (1) statewide information access and delivery; (2)…

Although Spanish interlibrary loans (ILL) have increased from 100 to 525 per 100,000 inhabitants, there are still many problems to resolve. Examines a plan developed by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) Library Network to improve ILL services. Provides a comparative analysis of ILL services from 1992-1995. Includes charts…

Rural communities face a dilemma in their efforts to keep pace with knowledge developments. Their remoteness makes access to knowledge of the outside world difficult, time-consuming, and costly. At the same time, the fact that there is access of a sort can mean that local knowledge becomes lost or discarded as somehow inferior. The pervasiveness…

Seven experts in system planning offer their views on how optical disk systems will affect library participation in online networks, and discuss opportunities presented by these new products. (CLB)

Examines the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) which provides access to the state's public library resources; federal, state, and regional information resources; and other electronic information resources. Describes OPLIN's role in Ohio, hardware and services provided, mission, origin, funding, staff training, databases, future plans…

Describes how systems librarian-related mailing lists are used by information professionals. Examination of 12 selected mailing lists and their geographic distribution reveals a great gap existing between developing and developed countries, with the United States in the dominant position. Knowledge background, technical limitations, and language…

The Texas Library Connection (TLC) is a state-funded project that began in 1995. TLC is intended to provide a statewide electronic network for school libraries that provides a union database of school library holdings, access to commercial full-text databases, access to MARC cataloging records, and access to interlibrary loan functions. This paper…

Discusses the need for a regional information network in southern Africa to provide policy makers with access to needed information and reduce dependence on foreign advisers. The progress of the Southern Africa Documentation and Information System is described, and future trends and possible difficulties are identified. (CLB)