Reviews the changes in scholarly publishing from the mid-1980s development of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) Electronic Information Delivery Online System (EIDOS). Highlights selected initiatives in electronic publishing: Project MUSE, JSTOR, Academic Press' IDEAL, and Springer-Verlag's LINK Information service. (PEN)

A review of the debate within the library profession concerning the changing role of libraries and fee based library services is followed by the presentation and discussion of an economic analysis of library services based on an indifference curve model. This model may be used to justify selected user fees. (CLB)

Describes the genesis, mission, methods of operation, and recent and future activities of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) Institute, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting the evolution of libraries and information services by providing managers with opportunities for advanced education and knowledge exchange. (PEN)

Discusses qualities of traditional librarians, examines past and future library roles, and addresses the need to change librarian leadership requirements in response to technological advancements in libraries. Presents leadership qualities necessary for future information service leaders and supports these qualities with findings from literature…

Examines the role of information professionals in selecting vendor services within the context of the theme "the future of information services." Reviews options information professionals have in terms of selecting vendor services; evaluates professional services, end-user services, and vendor support; and provides an historical…

Examines the position of assistant/associate director (A/AD) in libraries and information services. Interpersonal, informational, and decisional responsibilities of the A/AD are discussed; and leadership qualities are described in the areas of vision, communication skills, organizational learning, empowerment of others, and integrity. (30…

The story of the pony express offers lessons for today's document delivery. Pricing, policy, competition, and evolving technology need to be considered. To evaluate future options, researchers need to examine: types of document delivery; benefits of combining outside services with in-house systems; criteria for selecting technologies and…

Describes the role of strategic partnerships between the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and the regional library networks. Discusses the evolution of the relationship, cooperative services, training materials development, policy decision-making, conflict among partners, and benefits. (AEF)

Discusses the rising costs of library materials from a vendor's perspective. Effects of corporate takeovers of publishers are examined, resource sharing among libraries is discussed, the role of the library as a supplier of information resources and services is considered, and libraries' need for product development and marketing strategies is…

Discusses statewide initiatives in information services and resource sharing in Kentucky. Describes developments of the Kentucky Library Network; the EMPOWER Kentucky initiative; the Strategic Information Technology Plan; Online Computer Library Center's (OCLC) FirstSearch for resource sharing; and future perspectives. (AEF)

Library book vendors are facing new realities in the 21st century. Changes in continuations, firm order placement, value-added services, approval plans, retrospective collection development, and database creation and maintenance are being effected in an effort to keep current customers and attract new ones. Those changes and the subsequent shift…

Discusses management issues that librarians face in offering public access to library resources through internetworking services, e.g., local area networks, campus networks, or the INTERNET. It is concluded that interface problems and lack of an effective technical support structure make access to library information on INTERNET more of an…

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…

Focuses on academic and research library networking in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC), where a high level of library service has been achieved. Discusses the information challenges of the 1980s and 1990s to LAC countries; networking in LAC; Brazilian information services; the University of Sao Paulo integrated library system…

Describes the contract negotiations between the Greater Midwest Research Libraries Consortium (GMRLC) and Federal Express for interstate courier services of consortium interlibrary loan materials. Reviews the implementation process and notes lessons learned. Discusses the effects of the new service on interlibrary loan shipping costs, delivery…