Discusses the concept of a virtual library. Current systems are described, as well as pilot projects; administrative concerns are addressed, including cooperative collection development and networking; work of the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) is discussed; and the National Research and Education Network (NREN) is described. (17…

Discusses the development of networked information services from a user's perspective. Topics discussed include user education; the issue of access to, versus retrieval of, information; the role of the library, including education and training, bibliographic control, and electronic information services; and training and education for librarians.…

Reviews a number of interactive environmental computer education networks and software packages. Computer networks include National Geographic Kids Network, Global Lab, and Global Rivers Environmental Education Network. Computer software involve environmental decision making, simulation games, tropical rainforests, the ocean, the greenhouse…

Outlines a course designed to enable distance teachers to develop and teach courses using computer-mediated communication and emphasizing basic pedagogy. The teaching strategies and learning points of each module, as well as the organizational and technical set-up, are described. (Contains seven references.) (EAM)

Discusses experiences at the Integrated Information Center at the University of Minnesota regarding staffing considerations and suggests that, to operate effectively in this new environment, information professionals will need knowledge and skills not formerly emphasized in their educational programs. Highlights include communication skills,…

Describes a pilot study examining how Australian academics are using the Australian Academic and Research Network. Ten tables provide details on network services used in relation to academic role, importance of services used and relationship to academic work, and specific applications for e-mail, remote login, news groups and FTP (file transfer…

Includes 19 requirements prepared by the National Coordinating Committee for Technology in Education (NCC-TET) to ensure that the national information infrastructure (NII) provides expanded opportunities for education and training. The requirements, which cover access, education and training applications, and technical needs, are intended as…

Describes plans for an investigation of gopher protocol use for browsing and searching for information available via the Internet. Use of classification schemes based on traditional library models will be compared to the use of an existing gopher. Research questions, literature on related issues, construction of the classification schemes, and the…

Discusses using the Internet as a tool for delivering information to rural areas and the possible benefits, such as telecommuting, effective dissemination of medical information, and the promotion of grass-roots activism. The means rural residents use to connect to the Internet and their use of bulletin board systems are described. (nine…

The University of Tennessee's coordinated Faculty Interests/Funding Opportunities database system comprises statewide computer networking facilities, information from many sources, results of annual surveys, over 50 relational database files and software, and software applications. The system allows matching of information on funding opportunities…

The infrastructure created by fusing computing and communications technologies is described. The effect of this infrastructure on the economy and society of the United States is discussed. The importance of knowing the value and role of information is emphasized. (KR)

Questions the wisdom of permitting visions of the electronic library to drive budgets and strategic planning. Social and economic realities limiting user access to information, new roles for librarians, and models that guide management of information resources and services by real librarians for real users are discussed. A proposed action agenda…

Presents a holistic view of the management of licensed, networked information resources in a university library. Highlights include licensing and copyrights; collection development and acquisitions; aggregators, which combine electronic resources from disparate suppliers or locations into larger resource units for users; consortia; managing…

Provides background on the World Wide Web, reasons for its growth, its potential usefulness to gerontologists, and the results of an exhaustive search of over 300 sites. Relevant information was discovered in five general categories of gerontology-related information: academic institutions, government agencies, biomedical and health research…

Discusses the use of the Internet for ready reference and considers limitations, reference policy, and cost issues. Highlights include general reference sources; database searching on the Internet; Gopher; bibliographic control and access to Internet resources; personnel issues; and levels of service. (Contains 30 references.) (LRW)