Outlines the present status of library automation and networking in Australia and explores the issues arising when regional network operations consider their relationship to the national Australian Bibliographic Network: provision of services, standards, network technology, contractual arrangements, economics, and policy. Thirty-eight references…

Describes framework for library networking which consists of six interdependent dimensions to be used for decision making by libraries: functions to be performed, type of access information, types of materials, products and services, networking configurations, and communications means. Use of a series of cost models describing activities within…

Examines issues related to CD-ROM services in libraries in developing countries, and focuses on planning, funding, hardware, software, database selection, installation, staff and user training, publicity, use policies and procedures, document non-availability, and evaluation. Recommends a partnership approach between library information systems,…

Describes the Pica Library Automation Network (originally the Project for Integrated Catalogue Automation), which is based on a centralized bibliographic database. Highlights include the Pica conception of library automation, online shared cataloging system, circulation control system, acquisition system, and online Dutch union catalog with…

Describes an Edinburgh-based research project that is exploring issues related to reference work in digital libraries, the role of reference librarians with remote access users, library networking, and collaborative reference work. User experiences and librarian work patterns are related to the design of a prototype Web-based network reference…

Describes the HELOS project in Denmark, which is using information technology to facilitate library development, increase levels of library and information services, and increase levels of technological qualifications of library staff among four rural libraries. The discussion highlights library and information services offered, hardware and…

Summarizes the nature and status of videotex, and describes current applications by libraries and information centers, including community information dissemination and information retrieval from bibliographic databases. Prospective uses of videotex and library applications are discussed as well as problems to be overcome before effective videotex…

Describes the services offered by Maggie's Place, one of the first fully automated libraries in the world. Topics covered include the online catalog; automated technical processes; dial-up access for patrons; community information databases; and online access to U.S. and international library network services. (five references) (CLB)

Describes the activities of SURFnet BV, a research network that provides information and communication services in higher education and scientific or industrial research in The Netherlands. Topics discussed include standardization; user services, including electronic mail; costs of using SURFnet; user support services; and the role of libraries in…

Proposes a strategy that librarians can consider when implementing SGML (Standard General Markup Language) applications on top of existing products, or when embedding these in end-user services. Experiences of SGML within a Belgian library network are discussed, including local journal article databases, current awareness, and digital libraries.…