Describes a study of the current state of computer networks in the countries of the former Soviet Union (X-USSR). Four wide area networks are described; network uses and services are examined; social effects of computer networks are considered; and the development of the computer and telecommunications industry in X-USSR countries is discussed.…

Describes a proposed Multimedia On-Demand (MMOD) system architecture that will support MMOD network services and will have the ability to solve presentation synchronization problems caused by either transmission line delay or any mismatch between the data transmission rates or the different parts of the system. (Contains nine references.)…

Describes six nontraditional online information sources and discusses how they could be used for library services or professional development: (1) ISAAC (Information System for Advanced Academic Computing); (2) NCIN (North Carolina Information Network); (3) Prodigy; (4) The Well (Whole Earth Lectronic Link); (5) America Online (AOL); and (6)…

Nearly 2,000 school districts and 14,000 schools operate their own Web sites on the Internet. School districts are going online to reach their various stakeholders. The Web enables districts to connect easily with each other, creating unprecedented learning and sharing opportunities for school leaders. This article explains how several districts…

This special section presents two articles relating to accessing online systems. The first article discusses power availability for portable computers, including batteries and electrical outlets; the second describes two bulletin board systems that provide information about the Internet and its resources for librarians and patrons. (LRW)

Describes the NPRA/SCHOLE network that links the parks and recreation community worldwide by computer. Special network features are discussed, such as access to Delphi Network and Internet. Also discussed are the requirements for accessing the system and the subscription cost. Results from a subscriber survey are included. (GLR)

"Active readers" are silent members of telecommunications networks who read but do not contribute. Often derided as lurkers, active readers benefit from their network participation and in turn professionally benefit others. A study, still in progress, is interviewing 20 silent participants of the LabNet community who have posted fewer…

Outlines the development of an independent, nonprofit online community information network. Governance, information services, Internet access, development and funding, and partnerships are discussed. Community networks as local platforms for pilot projects and their value as local coalitions are explored. Sample menus and screens are included.…

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…

The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate the usefulness of an interactive communications network for agricultural education at the secondary level. The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) is a two-way full motion fiber optics telecommunications system capable of linking secondary agricultural departments throughout Iowa. The…

Users of telecommunications networks are concerned about privacy, and desire anonymous access, while some organizations are concerned about how this anonymous access might be abused. Proposes a solution for revocable anonymous access to the Internet. Presents some legal background and motivation for such a solution. Indicates some difficulties and…

The X.500 Directory Service provides a mechanism for finding information about people, organizations, services, network hardware, and more in the global network environment. Issues involved in X.500 participation by an organization include management support, data gathering, rights and concerns of individuals, access control, privacy, accuracy,…

This fact sheet about the INTERNET Gopher, an information distribution system combining features of electronic bulletin board services and databases, describes information availability, gateways with other servers, how the system works, and how to access Gopher. Addresses and telephone numbers for additional information or news about Gopher are…

This issue includes six articles that discuss access to information provided by computerized databases and communications networks for legislators. Highlights include state legislative systems; information systems in the Senate; online services in the House of Representatives; information technology in the Congressional Research Service; the…

An inter-university network of computer centers, the "Because It's Time NETwork" (BITNET), is described. Specific guidelines and format requirements for using BITNET, with sample commands, are presented. More than 1,800 computers at over 600 institutions of higher education and research centers in Europe, Asia, and North America are…