Describes the growth, rationale, and operation of a no-charge cooperative formed in 1982 by group of small Australian health science libraries to combat rising costs of interlibrary loans (GRATIS), and its South Australian equivalent (GRATISSA). Membership, coverage, features, problems, applications, and future developments are noted. Nine…

Description of a special library housed in world's largest indoor aquarium highlights history of aquarium and library; the collection supporting animal care-taking, reference, and research activities; archives; computer capabilities; users (primarily staff) and services; and networking and cooperation. Date founded, director, collection and staff…

The director of the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) provides historical perspective on CRL's development and discusses issues that have triggered debate on its objectives, programs, fees, and membership categories. Reactions to CRL by seven directors of research libraries, both members and nonmembers of CRL, are presented. (EJS)

National Council on Libraries, Archives and Documentation Services of Barbados has proposed the creation of a network with a central coordinating directorate to be designated as the National Library. Funds from the International Development Research Centre, Canada, are available to mount a two-year project to establish directorate and develop…

Description of the development of a computer-based resource-sharing program in Massachusetts highlights past planning efforts, development of philosophical basis of network, network activities (development and linking of bibliographic databases, document request and delivery procedures, computer literacy/training for librarians), and issues…

This paper summarizes initiatives related to standards for bibliographic control in Thailand. Topics addressed include: (1) standardized forms for headings; (2) standard bibliographic description; (3) standardized subject headings; (4) standards for classification schemes; (5) standardized format; (6) software application in libraries and…

The problems confronting the interlibrary loan (ILL) librarian and the costs of ILL services, based on a survey of twenty libraries, are reported. (NH)

Edited version of an address delivered at Institute on Public Library Management (12th, Madison, Wisconsin, April 26, 1968). The library network has not developed because the public has not recognized its potential usefulness. It can provide a new level of service if the value is not nullified by bureaucratic rigidity. (JS)

A definition of the term library system," is followed by a discussion of state legislation relating to library systems. (NH)

Describes how the Main Library at the University of California at Davis uses both the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) and OCLC in its technical services operations, including retrospective conversion, cataloging, searching, and authority work. Two references are provided. (EJS)

Presents new perspective on computerized information interchange within library community, and explains Open Systems Interconnection Model promoted by International Organization for Standardization, American National Standards Institute, and National Bureau of Standards. The Linked System Project undertaken by Library of Congress, Research…

Explores methods and costs of the retrospective conversion process, i.e., converting card catalog records into machine readable form to create an automated catalog. Data conversion standards, methods, search strategy, databases, verification and editing, costs, and products of conversion are noted. Thirty-two references are cited. (EJS)

Reviews the benefits and disadvantages of online searching in the context of cooperative reference network services. The cost effectiveness of centralization of online information retrieval services, problems associated with doing searches at the network level, and subsidizing search services are discussed. (Author/JL)

Describes a study which found that faculty patrons of the University of North Dakota Library were willing to rely on interlibrary access to journals in lieu of subscribing to them, given the effectiveness of the library network. Four references are cited. (FM)

Describes the impact of the Maryland and Colorado computer output microfiche (COM) union catalogs on the existing state interlibrary loan networks. These two state libraries are among 13 who have developed computer produced statewide union catalogs containing the holdings of academic, public, school, and special libraries. (LLS)