The committee's primary objectives were to evaluate the adequacy of the relationship of Federal libraries to other information activities in the government and to determine the role of the library in a total, integrated information system. A statement in considerable detail of the origin and development of extra-library information programs was…

Describes the five categories of videotex systems, the experimental uses of videotex, and its implications for libraries as a service delivery medium. (FM)

Maintains that national information policy should be geared to the preservation and encouragement of trial-and-error evolutionary mechanisms that will stimulate innovation in library and information services. Seventeen references are cited. (FM)

Presents selected testimonies before a joint congressional hearing on the changing information needs of rural America. Discussions cover information services and systems, recognizing and meeting information needs, advances being made in information and communication technologies, and the Intermountain Community Learning/Information Services…

Describes current efforts to expand the scope and availability of personal computer services, with special reference to the British Post Office PRESTEL experiment in England. Author argues that the library profession should support similar efforts in the United States and study ways personal computers can serve the library community. (Author)

The effects of personal systems on formal library and secondary information services use are analyzed. Conclusions are that personal information systems are not personalized libraries;'' formal library services should concentrate on developing complimentary programs. (9 references) (Author)

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)

Description of impact of various technological trends on Canadian special libraries provides brief descriptions of innovative techniques and services developed to meet the challenges. Access to information, "qualitization" of output, support for nodal executive, training function, integration of information flows, charging for…

Presents case studies on information ecology. Includes a chapter on librarians as "keystone species" in that they are very critical to the functioning of the ecology. Discusses the massive amounts of information available on the Internet and the role of librarians. Cites the need for Librarians to be more proactive in their local…

Describes the development of online computer searching, some problems experienced in libraries offering search services, and some future considerations. Includes the roles of government, libraries, and the commercial sector. (Author/LS)

Introduces the problems and constraints that will exist in the design and implementation of a library-based urban information system. (Author/PF)

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…

Compares three system models (closed, open, dissipative) with traditional models for adoption of new technology and library operations. Argues that information-provider organizations (libraries) must be able to adapt to radical changes in their environments in order to remain viable economic entities. (Author/AEF)

Formed by a merger of two existing UNESCO programs--NATIS and UNISIST--a Division of the General Information Program (PGI) was created in 1977 to respond to problems involved in the development and promotion of scientific and technological information systems and services, as well as the development of national information infrastructures. This…

Examines a multiplicity of issues that must be considered as features are taken from two existing systems--libraries and computing centers--and used in moving toward the integrated information support system of the future. Discussion covers indexing, conversion, access, security, costs, changes in the workplace, and challenges of transition. (EJS)