Describes recent research by the authors who received the 1990 American Society for Information Science (ASIS) Research Award. Three main areas of studies are described: (1) evaluation measures, methods, and models; (2) planning and evaluation studies involving individual libraries and library systems; and (3) planning and evaluation of library…

Description of information services from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) highlights a new system for retrieving information from NLM's databases (GRATEFUL MED); a formal Regional Medical Library Network; DOCLINE; the Unified Medical Language System; and Integrated Academic Information Management Systems. Research and development and the…

Identifies the ability and potential for networking among libraries using the packaged "circulation systems" of various vendors. Cooperation and involvement of system vendors, librarians, bibliographic networks, and service bureaus are needed to ensure maximum benefit from these systems. (CWM)

Views research libraries as posing unique problems for a governance structure because of their ready access to private funding and relative immunity from legislative control. Cited as functions of a governance structure are establishment of policy and development of network standards. (SW)

Addresses the inadequacies of traditional methods of library financing and proposes a strategy to be implemented in an environment supported by automation and networks. Publisher pricing of data rather than publications, options for charging library users with debit cards, and the role of regional library networks are discussed. (EAM)

Describes a plan that has been developed by the Commission of the European Community (CEC) for libraries in Europe. Highlights include machine-readable national bibliographies and union catalogs; retrospective conversion projects; networks; user services and information technology; a pilot project using CD-ROM; and cooperative projects and…

Six articles address telecommunications issues that are relevant to library and information science. Topics discussed include national library networks, the growth of computer networks, telecommunications strategies for academic libraries, the need to increase process research in telecommunications, and the potential of future lightwave…

Summarizes results of a project which analyzed data for decisions concerning linking; i.e., whether and how to link utilities in order to pool bibliographic resources. Benefits and problems of links for cataloging, interlibrary loan, and online reference are discussed. A cost-revenue model which analyzes alternatives for linking is presented. (SW)

Describes the goals and philosophy of the Research Libraries Group (RLG), and notes the services offered by the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), which uses Stanford University's BALLOTS program as the technological base of the bibliographic network. (CWM)

Discusses planning concerns related to governance of a nationwide bibliographic network, such as the Bibliographic Service Development Program sponsored by the Council on Library Resources. Other issues covered are the roles of governance, creation of standards, records exchange, authority control, and identification of potential users. (SW)

Assesses the status of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), focusing on its membership, financial problems, new headquarters, terminal equipment, Videotex possibilities, and relationship with regional library networks. (EJS)

Identifies technological issues of nationwide networking, including computer processing, data storage and communication, software, data entry, and standards. Emphasized in a forecast of networking trends in the 1980s is the need for coordination of a central managing organization with the autonomous local libraries. (SW)

Provides a map representing automated library networks in North America with a list of their acronyms and abbreviations. (CWM)

Examines two classes of technical problems--communication and integration of applications--occurring in a national library network designed to facilitate information transfer directly among hosts (service providers) and, indirectly, among hosts and users. (CWM)

Three aspects of a library network are discussed: (1) legal structure, (2) membership, and (3) governance. An ideal network organization, from a legal viewpoint, is outlined. Also discussed are these types of network organizational structures: government networks, quasi-government networks, nonprofit membership corporations, and unincorporated…