This article describes the need for rethinking resource sharing to offer both library users and nonlibrary users options to obtain the material they seek from both libraries and commerical sources. The article discusses several programs that are emerging including the "GoGetter" function, the Rethinking Resource Sharing Manifesto, user needs, and…

Outlines steps in establishment of ALANET (electronic mail and information service of American Library Association): setting program goals; analyzing internal and external environments; choosing vendor; covering operational and service aspects; keeping up, keeping ahead. Support features (bulletin boards, electronic newsletters) and flexibility in…

The National Environmental Data Referral Service (NEDRES) is being developed in response to a national need to improve the awareness of and access to a broad range of environmental data files. Two studies were conducted in support of this effort: a survey of prospective users confirming the need for and willingness to pay fees for the service and…

This report documents initiatives taken to establish scientific and technical information services in Tanzania. The program has as a short term goal the establishment of a national information service for research by the Tanzania National Scientific Research Council with the cooperation and assistance of the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology…

New information technology is viewed as analogous to a railway network that serves many, in diverse areas, and leads users to new frontiers. It is suggested that higher education can contribute to this system by developing useful new applications, providing guidelines for appropriate "passenger" behavior, and enhancing quality. (MSE)

Public library services are being modified or changed by the Internet. Questions about how to evaluate and measure electronic services have become increasingly important. This article presents an analysis of some ways to create, define, and institute electronic network measures. (Author/AEF)

Describes the live virtual reference service, Q and A NJ (Question and Answer New Jersey), strategies used to meet the challenges of day-to-day management, scaled growth and quality control. Describes how it began; how long it took; how to manage a large project (constant communication; training and practice; transcript analysis and privacy;…

Internet II, a higher-speed information network under development, is supported by almost 100 colleges and universities. It would let researchers develop advanced tools, but would be costly for institutions. A similar but more limited project, the Very High Speed Backbone Network Service (VBNS), has also garnered college support. Technical,…

This publication describes Utah's Handicapped Child Data Project, an interagency effort to share information among agencies dealing with developmentally disabled persons and establish a central registry. Five action steps in such a venture are noted, including identifying potential sources of information on state and individual levels, decreasing…

Reports on an initiative by the Toronto Public Library to create the "Virtual Reference Library" (VRL). Describes the first service to be offered, a Dewey application called "Science Net." Discusses the VRL and its precursor, objectives, basis for its funding, technical aspects, progress to date and future direction. (AEF)

A survey was conducted to assess environmental data users' interest in a referral system such as the National Environmental Data Referral Service (NEDRES) and to gauge user willingness to participate in a proposed NEDRES network and to comply with a system of NEDRES user fees. Twenty-one organizations were identified and 3,200 individuals were…

Building on the findings of a survey of potential users and a descriptive review of five existing information networks, the present study represents an attempt to characterize several options for a voluntary confederation of participants in operating the National Environmental Data Referral Services (NEDRES) being developed by the Assessment and…

Participants in the meeting summarized in this report advised and made recommendations on appropriate activities and programs conducive to the development of cooperative networks and the exchange of information and experience in science and technology in the Asia Pacific Region. Invited in their personal capacity as experts, the 14 participants…

This report of a study of the state of networking in school library media programs nationwide and the role of such programs in the National Program for Libraries and Information Services covers the rationale for inclusion of these programs in library networks, contributions of such programs to a national program, the benefits to the users of…

Parent to Parent provides support and information for parents of children with disabilities and/or health impairments, by matching them with other parents of special needs children. Described are the program's goals and background, training of parent partner volunteers, referral and matching of parents, and participation in a statewide network.…