Explains the development of WAP (wireless application protocol), how it works, and what the major advantages and disadvantages are, especially when applied to the use of information. Topics include standardization; mobile communications; the effect of WAP on business tools, electronic commerce, and information services; consumers; corporate users;…

Discusses the importance for information managers of demonstrating the value of information services to the organization and identifies appropriate techniques for performance evaluation and product-oriented cost-benefit analysis. Ten questions developed to provide an agenda for demonstrating information service value are listed. (MES)

Overview of recent developments in field of telecommunications, especially newer transmission media and equipment, highlights new information services and systems (telebanking, teleshopping, videotex); opportunities for libraries (storing material, information generation, provision of equipment, library management); reasons for adopting new…

Describes the Chemical Integrated Information Service Network (ChI2Net), a comprehensive online information service system which includes chemical, technical, economic, market, news, and management information based on computer and modern communication technology that was built by the China National Chemical Information Centre. (Author/LRW)

Automated geographic information systems (GIS) consist of integrated digital databases containing information about geographic features; hardware, software, and people used in the analysis of features; and descriptions of features. Currently no standard method of accessing widely scattered geographic data exists. Argues that this can solved by…

Describes a Delphi study in which Finnish experts predicted the extent of information technology use in libraries and information centers. Predictions are summarized in the areas of workstations; fax and electronic mail; videotex; print, electronic, and optical publishing; indexing and storage of sounds and images; speech recognition and scanning…

This third report in a series that provides information to understand the role of systems librarians in the development of library information management systems and information services focuses on the need for possible curriculum revision and relevant courses in library education. Includes two curricular models, including course descriptions, for…

There is opportunity for service and profit to imaginative libraries organizing to provide new forms of knowledge. Librarians as entrepreneurs must learn venture management and finance. Available assistance includes growing entrepreneural understanding in large institutions; family and friends; private wealth-seeking investment; new business…

Reviews some of the factors which an organization (i.e. company, university, government, institution, etc.) may consider when deciding whether or not to establish a presence on the World Wide Web or, if it already has one, whether it is using it optimally. Topics include Internet capabilities; types of information services; user needs; and access.…

Describes the advances in telecommunications and compact storage technologies that make it possible for electronic bookmobiles to provide a full range of information services. The feasibility of the widespread use of such bookmobiles is considered in view of the high cost of the technologies involved. (19 references) (CLB)

Discussion of computer-mediated communication (CMC) focuses on the use of electronic mail (E-mail) in the information field. Topics discussed include human aspects of CMC; examples of E-mail use in libraries and information centers, including the Danish Science Park Network (DSPN); and the use of E-mail for personal information systems. (48…

Discussion of the value of online information services in schools reviews recent reports from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and describes some of the available cataloging, bibliographic, full text/statistical, videotex, local, and electronic bulletin board services. Four examples of current applications in Australian…

Discusses ways in which recent advances in information technology and greatly increased access to information have changed activities at work, home, and school. It is argued that the impact of technology should be examined in terms of benefits to society, rather than in terms of technological advancement for its own sake. (nine references) (CLB)

Discusses the characteristics of optical discs and examples of interactive videodiscs. Guidelines for videodisc production cover the appropriateness of in-house production, levels of interactivity, software, and system compatibility as applied to information services in general, and specifically to an interactive video project at the Technical…

Discusses four megatrends from John Naisbitt's book--"Megatrends"--which have particular relevance to the electronic library: shift from industrial to information society; need to balance high-tech with high-touch; focus on self-help over institutional help; and change in organizational structures from pyramid hierarchies to networks.…