The future paths of research and development towards world-wide, automated information networks in full operation are examined. From international networked planning and projects under way it appears that exploratory as well as normative approaches have been taken. To some extent adequate technolgical facilities have already come into existence…

A strong library and information network is important to Wisconsin because of the uneven geographic distribution of its population, the dispersion of its university resource centers and heavy concentration of book and other information resources in major cities. This report explores the potential for furthering interlibrary cooperation in…

Discussions summarized in this report focused on the relationships between individual libraries and the bibliographic utilities, as well as the options available to the library and information communities for preparing, sharing, and gaining access to machine-readable records. Issues discussed fall into three categories: (1) ownership and…

From the standpoint of information network technology there is a necessary emphasis upon compatibility requirements which, in turn, will be met at least in part by various techniques of achieving convertibility --- between machine and machine, between man and machine, and between man and man. It may be hoped that improved compatibilities between…

Reviews history of events leading to the Linked Systems Project and describes two major components: communications facility and applications programs. The initial application--sharing of authority data based on the Library of Congress Name Authority Cooperative Project--is discussed, and future applications and their implications are briefly…

The development of a National Documentation Centre in the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan's East Bank is described in five major sections including basic data (geographical background, historical background, population, natural resources, services, finance, research and development, and planning); the information situation (user studies, media, data…

The current trend in biomedical information systems is to decentralization. Starting with the Medical Library Assistance Act of 1965, various plans of organization have been tried for improving the national diffusion of medical information. In 1968 the John Crerar Library became the Midwest Regional Medical Library, serving as an intermediary…

Legal and contractual aspects of networks are reviewed from a lay practitioner's viewpoint. The legal basis for establishment of networks determines the authorization to enter into contracts, receive and convey funds, cross state lines, etc. Existing state laws (or lack of appropriate state laws) hinder development of networks by the process of…

Reviews evolution of West Germany's national library and information services in three periods--early development of national library services, 1946-48; creation of national library associations, 1946-49; establishment of systematic planning for national library and information services, 1971-83. A comparison of West German services with those of…

The two purposes of this report are to present concrete proposals related to the need for the National Library of Canada to facilitate the development of nationwide bibliographic and associated communications networks, and to outline the relevant network concepts assumed in framing the nine recommendations and the related implementation proposals…

This directory of 62 library networks and information systems was produced from information collected in preparation for the First Conference of Texas Library Networks and Information Systems, cosponsored by the Texas Library Association and the Texas State Library, February 25-26, 1980 in Austin. A library network or information system is defined…

Two articles address the design of microcomputer networks and the use of local area computer networks (LAN) to improve library automation. Topics discussed include network design criteria, media for local networks, transmission mode, typical communication protocols, user interface, basic local network architectures, and examples of microcomputer…

Discussion of the use of inexpensive microcomputers in local area information networks (LAN) notes such minicomputer problems as costs, capacity, downtime, and vendor dependence, and the advantages of using LAN in offices and libraries, less costly LAN upgrades, library vendors and LAN systems, and LAN problems. A 28-item bibliography is provided.…

This study of the role of the Library of Congress (LC) in the emerging national information network analyzed data gathered from 23 libraries and network organizations, and found that LC should assume leadership in network development activities by performing the major coordinating role in applying technology and acquiring funding for the technical…

Notes four Ages of Access to published knowledge--Individual, Local, National, and International--and considers impact of computers and electronic technology. Speed of access, automatic catalogs, digital text storage and transmission, need for observance of common standards and procedures, international cooperation, and worldwide system of…