It is crucially important that libraries adopt a more active mode of operation and take on the characteristics or become part of information centers. (Author/AB)

This discussion of the impact of electronic developments on the dissemination of information and the role of the library argues that a central role as a switching center and information consultant will be critical to the survival of the library in the rapidly evolving electronic information environment. (CHC)

Presents a model for predicting and shaping the impact of information technologies on libraries and the library role which is based on the effects of computerization in various business applications. The library network at AT&T Bell Laboratories is described as an example of a successful implementation of the model. (CLB)

Although originally compiled and published for the California Library Telecommunications Project (an analysis of the telecommunications needs and opportunities for the California State Library on behalf of the state's 169 public libraries), this report also cites examples of, and proposes options for, electronic text use in public libraries…

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…

This compilation of papers presented at the sixteenth annual Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing presents 13 papers on the library within the context of technological developments in publishing and related facets of human communication. Instead of focusing on library automation per se, the contributors have chosen to look at various…

Considers the relevance for sub-Saharan Africa of electronic information systems in terms of the segments of the population that would benefit from such services, as opposed to a broader library role of advancing literacy to the general population. (Author/CLB)

Libraries could be the nerve centers of international information networks. The major challenge for the future library will not be providing enough information, but providing usable information. The development of an information policy is discussed including placing a value on information, maintaining an accurate and useful inventory, and…

Libraries could be the nerve centers of international information networks. The major challenge for the future library will not be providing enough information, but providing usable information. The development of an information policy is discussed including placing a value on information, maintaining an accurate and useful inventory, and…

This paper begins by examining concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and discusses various definitions of the concept that have been suggested in the literature. The nesting relationship of expert systems within the broader framework of AI is described, and expert systems are characterized as knowledge-based systems (KBS) which attempt to solve…

Librarians should become more active in designing information systems so that their extensive knowledge of how people articulate their information needs and evaluate their findings can be incorporated into new systems. These systems would be more responsive to user needs than those driven by the machine or data processing mindset. (EM)

Describes nine categories of library automation systems intended for direct use by library patrons: catalog information systems; electronic information systems; information presentation systems; instructional systems; consultation systems; information services and delivery systems; conferencing systems; integrative systems; and user computing…

Special librarians are in unique position to become directly involved in the design, development, and management of automated in-house databases. Software packages called application generators enable the librarian/information scientist to develop database applications without programmer intervention and with very little or no knowledge of…

Papers on parliamentary and legislative libraries presented at the 1982 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference include: (1) "Parliamentary Libraries and Networks," a brief overview by Dermot Englefield (United Kingdom) of the position of legislative libraries in national networks, the extent of legislative…

Discusses changes in information management and their effects on technical services librarians. Topics discussed include changes at the Library of Congress; the development of national and international bibliographic systems; expansion of local library catalogs; commercial full text databases for end users; new roles for professional librarians;…