The author, a digital access architect in the information systems department of the Orange County Library System in Florida, was given the challenge of creating a library mobile app around the 2009 holiday season. At that time, Sheri Chambers, digital content manager in the information systems department, and Debbie Moss, assistant director of the…

This paper discusses the construction of the infrastructure for libraries' digital document telecommunications. The first section describes the topologies of the library LAN (Local Area Network) cabling system, including the main characteristics of the LAN and three classical topologies typically used with LANs, i.e., the bus, star, and ring…

Discussion of the potential effects of fiber optic-based communication technology on information networks and systems design highlights library automation. Topics discussed include computers and telecommunications systems, the importance of information in national economies, microcomputers, local area networks (LANs), national computer networks,…

Six library consultants address issues related to the future of online catalogs, including (1) types of material that will be accessible; (2) the role of the automated library; (3) evolving beyond the current objectives of library automation; (4) new technologies; and (5) the library profession's image of the future. (3 references) (MES)

Describes three stages of the automation of information processing systems by combining the concept of the exponential growth of operational capabilities with three characteristics: computational capability, ability to store data, and ability to communicate data. The growth of fiberoptic technology is described as beginning the third stage. (EM)

Sixteen papers from a workshop on computer applications sponsored by the University of Cape Town (South Africa) School of Librarianship are presented in this volume: (1) "Introduction to the Use of Information Technology" (Sue Bleimschein); (2) "Searching Remote Databases" (Steve Rossouw); (3) "SABINET [South African Bibliographic and Information…

Describes the layered model of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI); summarizes the three upper and lower layers; and discusses data communications standards associated with specific layers. Architectural concepts are explored, including hierarchy and abstraction, levels of dialogue, internetworking, and end-to-end communication. OSI is compared…

Discusses the development of technical services workstations at Mann Library at Cornell University (New York). Topics addressed include project goals, communications software, the operating environment, personal information management software, implementation and training, possible future applications, and the impact of new technology…

Explains how the Directory Service (CCITT X.500/ISO 9594) became an international standard in response to the difficulties of keeping data on information network users current and accessible. Uses of X.500 are described, a technical overview is provided, its functions and protocols are assessed, and directory projects and products are discussed.…

Management of heterogeneous networks is complicated by the persistence of proprietary management schemes. The need for integration of network management capabilities is pressing. The International Organization for Standardization is developing standards for managing networks as part of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) effort. OSI management…

Reviews some of the projects and organizations concerned with promoting conformance and interoperability testing of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) products and describes OSI products available from computer manufacturers and vendors. A list of references includes 57 articles that mention specific vendors and 11 general articles about OSI…

This bibliography brings together sources, through August 1991, on the National Research and Education Network (NREN) and related topics, including computer networks, databases, information technology, library automation, microcomputers, and online systems. Where possible, a brief biographical note on the author is included, and most of the…

Traces the evolution of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) from its genesis in 1978 and provides an overview of the various categories of standards, international standards organizations, the scope of standards, and the notations used to designate both the standards groups and the actual standards. (SD)

Discusses how various Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) application layer protocols can be used together, along with the Presentation and Session protocols, to support the interconnection requirements of applications. Application layer protocol standards that are currently available or under development are reviewed, and the File, Transfer,…

The edi conceptual model is being developed to define common structures, services, and processes that syntax-specific standards like X12 and EDIFACT could adopt. Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) is of interest to edi because of its potential to help enable global interoperability across Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) functional groups. A…