Over the past several decades, millions of digital objects of significant scientific, economic, cultural, and historic value have been published and distributed to libraries and archives on removable media. Providing long-term access to these documents, media files, and software executables is an increasingly complex task because of dependencies…

Geographic information systems (GIS) are commonly misconceived as expensive and complicated map makers. Although GISs do create maps, they manipulate, organize, and display information, and aid in data documentation and accessibility. Managing GIS services involves not just hardware and software issues but managing digital data. (Author/AEF)

This report was commissioned in response to concerns expressed about the gap between institutional digital library initiatives and the products offered by library systems vendors. The study analyzes from the perspective of libraries the strategies, visions, and products that vendors of integrated library systems are offering as solutions. Case…

Discusses the concept of a digital library and the utility of space/time referencing. Describes the unified space/time/keyword/format search and retrieval and indexing system of the ISLA (Information System for Los Angeles) at the University of Southern California. Focuses on the practical application of space/time referencing and methods of…

Focuses on self-service, seamless, Web-based libraries--electronic libraries created by information professionals, Meta sites for the 21st Century where users with average Internet skills can find quality Web sites. Discusses content, design, effective implementation, and final evaluation. (AEF)

Librarians providing information services electronically must create useful information systems. This article illustrates that the effectiveness of an information system is characterized by its readability, browsability, searchability, and interactive assistance. Describes the concept of interactive assistance and how it relates to information…

The latest in electronic document management in British local government is discussed. Finance, revenues, and benefits systems of leading vendors to local authorities are highlighted. A planning decisions archive management system and other information services are discussed. (AEF)

Discusses some emerging issues for information resources and use in higher education, including challenges in advanced networking; distributed-information technology (IT); authentication, authorization, and access management; distance learning; intellectual property in a networked environment; and campus-business continuity planning. Funding,…

Examines recent trends that will have a significant impact on how virtual library services are designed and implemented in the future. Discusses end-user instruction; staff training and professional development; database design; the metadata movement and the Dublin Core; and changing roles of librarians and library services. (AEF)

There are a variety of reasons which prevent users from making the most of information products. The practitioner must keep current with the myriad of information sources available and try to stay aware of changes in coverage. This paper categorizes the types of data in a large financial institution as follows: press sources, mergers and…

Libraries' dependence on computers can lead to frustrations for patrons and staff during downtime caused by computer system failures. Advice for reducing the number of crashes is provided, focusing on improved training for systems staff, better management of library systems, and the development of computer systems using quality components which…

Details the three phases the Jack Brause Library Real Estate Periodical Index (New York University) has gone through since it first went to an electronic format. Discusses beginning the electronic database, issues on electronic storage and use, implementing more user-friendly software, and the transition to the Web. (AEF)

Outlines the services that could be provided by a national digital library for science, mathematics, and technology education. Provides a list of links that lead to further discussion about the possible uses, architecture, and features of such a digital library. (AEF)

This paper describes work aimed at catering the content of World Wide Web (WWW) pages to the needs of different users, including elderly people and users with vision and motor impairments. An overview is provided of the AVANTI system, a European WWW-based tourist information system that adapts Web pages to each user's individual needs before…

Eight papers are presented from the 1995 CAUSE conference track on client/server issues faced by managers of information technology at colleges and universities. The papers include: (1) "The Realities of Client/Server Development and Implementation" (Mary Ann Carr and Alan Hartwig), which examines Carnegie Mellon University's transition…