The introduction to a special issue on locally loaded databases in online library systems discusses three trends in using technology to provide greater access to materials available in library collections: unification of local collections; access to outside resources; and inclusion of reference works and full text in online catalogs. (three…

Describes the conflict between using marketplace power to determine the cost of accessing information, and the public interest, and argues that a social policy is needed to guide the information age. It is noted that such a policy would incorporate such components as human needs, computer literacy, universality, and self-determination. (20…

Discusses some of the theory underlying visual access tools for special collections, introduces a specific World Wide Web application using the technology, and indicates some of the potential of the tool for visual access to images as well as text documents. Appendices include texts of courses used for proximity calculations as well as NASA…

Discusses technology and its effects on society and humans, particularly library and information technology. Highlights include the evolving history of technology; and values related to technology in libraries, including democracy, stewardship, service, intellectual freedom, privacy, literacy and learning, rationalism, and equity of access. (LRW)

Discusses academic library consortia, examines types of consortia, and presents three case histories (OhioLINK, PALCI and CIC). Highlights include economic competition; changes in information access and delivery; growth of information technology; quality improvement; and future strategies, including pricing models for electronic information,…