This overview of the Research Libraries Group (RLG) discusses historical background, collaboration, new needs and expectations, the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), the CitaDel service, the ARIEL service, the Eureka service, the Zephyr server, and JACKPHY-Plus Script Development, and preservation. (JLB)

Traces the development of national computer networks and discusses the need for the National Research and Education Network (NREN). Topics discussed include ARAPNET, Internet, BITNET, NSFNET, the role of the government, legislative status, the Coalition for Networked Information, policy issues, technological requirements, and libraries and NREN.…

As scholars increasingly use electronic networks, the roles of the library and the computer center will need to change from central repositories of information and technology to integrators of disparate information sources. Scholars will become less library "patrons" and more "users" of electronic information services that will…

Discusses networked information resources used by reference librarians in research libraries. Highlights include the NREN (National Research and Education Network); the Internet; network architecture; the national information infrastructure; the effect of electronic information on reference desk transactions; the changing nature of research; the…

Three papers are compiled here for research library directors: (1) "Background: Open Systems Interconnection," in which David F. Bishop provides fundamental background information to explain the concept of the emerging technology of linked systems and open systems interconnection--i.e., an agreed upon standard set of conventions or rules…

Reviews major trends affecting traditional interlibrary loan and document delivery, including rising prices, table of contents indexing services, fax technology, the Internet, interlibrary loan subsystems of bibliographic utilities, and integrated library systems with patron-initiated services. Two examples of the development of new document…

The growing convergence of research library functions with a knowledge network infrastructure is beginning to have a transforming influence on the conduct of university research and instruction. Computing and communication network technologies are forcing a re-examination of institutional missions, the policies that support knowledge transmission,…

Discusses changes in scholarly and cultural records resulting from the transition from print to electronic information. The role of libraries is considered, including licensing agreements, interlibrary loans, broadcast media, networks, preservation of records, and dangers of centralization; and problems with reliance on electronic information…

The goal of the Essen symposium was to bring together internationally recognized librarians and library automation specialists to discuss new developments in electronic publishing. All 16 papers included in this collection were presented at the conference: (1) "Barriers to the Introduction of New Technology" (J. Andrew Braid); (2)…

Describes the library at Rockefeller University and considers how it may be a model for future research libraries, i.e., the distributed library relying on remote resources. Highlights include resource sharing and interlibrary loan; research and scholarly interactions focused outside the library; decentralization of research information; and a…

The topic of the 123rd meeting of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is the information infrastructure. The ARL is seeking to influence the policies that will form the backbone of the emerging information infrastructure. The first session concentrated on government roles and initiatives and included the following papers: "Opening…

High economic growth and growing movements toward democratic political systems are reshaping the Pacific countries, and these movements will have profound implications for libraries. The program of the meeting of the Association of Research Libraries was devoted to the cultures, societies, and libraries of the Pacific Rim. Program Session I,…

The rapid adoption of information technology and ubiquitous networking has transformed the research and education landscape. Central to this transformation are scientific and engineering digital data collections. The life cycle management challenges associated with these intellectual assets are substantial. This is a report of a two-day workshop…

The Association of American Universities (AAU) Research Libraries Project was designed to involve universities in the process of shaping the new electronic environment faced by research libraries. The project has engaged university expertise to develop recommendations for action at the national and institutional levels to assure that the…

Discusses the impact that network technology, electronic publishing, and Internet communication are having on collection development policies in research libraries. Highlights include changes in the research library environment, including financial difficulties; scholarly communication; workstations for material selection; and materials in…