Cooperation between different types of libraries to increase ease of patron access was not capable of great strides until the technological advances of the mid-1980s. Writers in the field are reporting increased pockets of activity, but also say that traditional ideas, such as pride of ownership or fear of future results from fixed commitments,…

Describes the background of OCLC's international interests and briefly surveys the collaborative activities being undertaken in Europe, the Far East, and Canada. Both the benefits to all involved parties and problems that must be resolved are discussed. (two references) (Author/CLB)

Discusses new developments in online library catalogs, including Web-based catalogs; interconnectivity within the library; interconnectivity between libraries; graphical user interfaces; pricing models; and a checklist of questions to ask when purchasing a new online catalog. (LRW)

Describes ACCESS PENNSYLVANIA, a statewide program structured around school libraries which has two objectives: (1) production of a union catalog to facilitate resource identification and retrieval, and (2) development of automated support capabilities within the libraries served by the project. The CD-ROM microcomputer technology used, Le Pac, is…

This theme issue discusses the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET). Topics addressed include network components, the interlibrary loan code, the resource sharing union catalog, the OCLC users' group, OCLC's EPIC service, access to indexing services, SILO (Serials of Illinois Libraries Online) members, and excerpts from the…

Discusses the lack of catalog access to local journal holdings and the feasibility of improving access by merging citations to journal articles with bibliographic information already included in online catalogs. The advantages of having libraries contribute serials indexing to a national database are discussed in terms of access and economics.…

Explains why school libraries need to share resources and describes a number of projects that share physical, intellectual, and digital resources. Highlights include district union catalogs and integrated systems; consortia and community catalogs with public libraries; statewide union catalogs; statewide integrated systems; gateways; and statewide…

This paper discusses the current operations and future activities of the Minnesota Interlibrary Telecommunications Exchange (MINITEX) and the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), two state networks established in the 1960s with the common goal of cooperation to provide library resources to their citizens, but with independent…

Discussion of computer networking and information retrieval technology focuses on the usefulness of accessing remote library catalogs. Experiences with the University of California MELVYL online catalog and Internet are described, problems of remote access for the user are considered, and future possibilities are suggested. (nine references) (LRW)

This report considers the ways that the Regis University (Colorado) library has addressed needs created by new adult education programs offered at 10 campus locations in the region, 15 prison sites, a number of corporations, and through independent study. Creation of a new position for a full-time librarian for extended library services and…

Describes Pica, an organization in the Netherlands which evolved from the Project for Integrated Catalogue Automation that includes the National Library and all university libraries. Topics include the organizational structure, the shared online cataloging system, interlibrary loan, library networks and database access, and electronic document…

Describes the history of consortia and cooperative efforts among libraries and their role in distance learning in higher education. Discusses shared online catalogs; purchases of electronic resources; supporting distance learners' information needs, including virtual reference; staff training; change management; cooperative planning; vendor…

Presents results of an evaluation of C.D. Cat, a CD-ROM union catalog developed by the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania consortium. Outcomes are reported in the areas of bibliographic quality, user evaluation, public relations strategies, bibliographic instruction, and guidelines for continuing operations. Recommendations are…

Discusses the use of OCLC to improve library service in Illinois and emphasizes library cooperation through LVIS (Libraries Very Interested in Sharing) and Group Access Capability (GAC) groups. Topics include interlibrary loan; union lists; resource sharing agreements; and the role of the Illinois State Library. (LRW)

This proceedings includes the following papers presented at the 16th International Essen Symposium: "Electronic Resource Sharing: It May Seem Obvious, But It's Not as Simple as it Looks" (Herbert S. White); "Resource Sharing through OCLC: A Comprehensive Approach" (Janet Mitchell); "The Business Information Network:…