Purpose: To describe the development of the library management system, e-Granthalaya, for public libraries in India. This is an initiative of the Indian government's National Informatics Centre (NIC). The paper outlines the challenges and the potential of a full-scale deployment of this software at a national level. Design/methodology/approach:…

This Helping You Buy survey is the next in an annual series of surveys that have been compiled by Pamela Cibbarelli in past years. This bird's-eye view should serve to both highlight some general distinctions and to underscore the commodified similarities of a wide range of library automation systems.

This document contains a compilation of overhead projection sheets from an International Labour Office (ILO) Training Course in Micro-ISIS held in March 1988, augmented by explanatory text and applications to a wide variety of databases. It is designed both to provide a visual, didactic approach to Micro-ISIS, and to constitute a quick-reference…

Describes the layered model of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI); summarizes the three upper and lower layers; and discusses data communications standards associated with specific layers. Architectural concepts are explored, including hierarchy and abstraction, levels of dialogue, internetworking, and end-to-end communication. OSI is compared…

Explains how the Directory Service (CCITT X.500/ISO 9594) became an international standard in response to the difficulties of keeping data on information network users current and accessible. Uses of X.500 are described, a technical overview is provided, its functions and protocols are assessed, and directory projects and products are discussed.…

Management of heterogeneous networks is complicated by the persistence of proprietary management schemes. The need for integration of network management capabilities is pressing. The International Organization for Standardization is developing standards for managing networks as part of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) effort. OSI management…

Reviews some of the projects and organizations concerned with promoting conformance and interoperability testing of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) products and describes OSI products available from computer manufacturers and vendors. A list of references includes 57 articles that mention specific vendors and 11 general articles about OSI…

Traces the evolution of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) from its genesis in 1978 and provides an overview of the various categories of standards, international standards organizations, the scope of standards, and the notations used to designate both the standards groups and the actual standards. (SD)

Discusses how various Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) application layer protocols can be used together, along with the Presentation and Session protocols, to support the interconnection requirements of applications. Application layer protocol standards that are currently available or under development are reviewed, and the File, Transfer,…

The edi conceptual model is being developed to define common structures, services, and processes that syntax-specific standards like X12 and EDIFACT could adopt. Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) is of interest to edi because of its potential to help enable global interoperability across Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) functional groups. A…

Describes the emergence of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) as it relates to the U.S. Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (GOSIP); defines GOSIP; and speculates about its future. Challenges facing GOSIP that are related to test policies and procedures, strategic and tactical planning, additional functionality, and international…

This two-page digest briefly outlines some of the technological trends in updating a library, and briefly discusses the administrative issues and strategies involved. It begins by describing the wholly integrated information environment, which would include: (1) public-access personal and professional communications networks; (2) information…

Describes the function of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Z39.50 protocol, which allows for construction of information "servers"--i.e., resources attached to a computer communications network that can be accessed by client machines to retrieve information. The relationship of Z39.5 to other OSI protocols is explained. (23…

Describes the development of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) conformance testing sites, conformance testing tools, and conformance testing services. Discusses related topics such as interoperability testing, arbitration testing, and international harmonization of conformance testing. A glossary is included. (24 references) (SD)

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…