Three beliefs about library networks are discussed and shown to be myths: i.e., networks save money, blur the lines between technical and public services, and, by breaking down barriers between libraries, will move the profession from a philosophy of ownership to one of access. (EM)

Overview of activities and issues that face library administrators considering automation emphasizes acquisition of turnkey systems. Discussion covers reasons for automating, options available, major marketplace issues, keys to a successful automation project, the Request for Information, the Request for Proposal, evaluation techniques, the…

Discussion of the Hawaii-based Law Library Microform Consortium (LLMC), a nonprofit interlibrary cooperative microfiche project involving several hundred American and foreign law libraries, outlines LLMC's history, organizational structure, operations, publishing record, marketing efforts, and prospects for the future. (EJS)

This paper discusses the services offered by OhioLINK, a consortia providing a variety of services to a statewide user population of college and university libraries, focusing on the impact of these services on traditional interlibrary loan. The first section describes patron-initiated book requesting. The second section addresses the Electronic…

Presents overview of three decades of library automation: the 1960s, dominated by primitive local systems; the 1970s, dominated by large multitype and multipurpose networks; and the 1980s, which will be dominated by a return to local systems. Bibliographic utilities and library networks and cooperation are noted. Twenty-one references are listed.…

Describes the development of telephone communications links between automated circulation systems in six public library systems in the state of Maryland, and discusses the implications of such links for interlibrary loan programs. (JL)

Presents results of a survey of users of Florida Library Information Network (FLIN), a statewide multitype interlibrary loan network. The paper centers on the role of academic libraries (the heaviest users) and discusses interlibrary loan staffing, request fulfillment, OCLC utilization, network performance and other factors. Eight references are…

Various approaches to the design of automatic library systems are described, suggestions for the design of rational and effective automated library processes are posed, and an attempt is made to assess the importance and effect of library network systems on library operations and library effectiveness. (Author/CWM)

Presents background information on DOBIS (an online library system) evaluation, software acquisition, and development, and describes the status and plans for DOBIS in the Canadian government. Appendices provide an overview of the Canadian government version of the system from a librarian's and a systems analyst's perspective. (CWM)

Presents the full text of the Task Force report on networking, adopted by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science to delineate the position of the school library media program within the total framework of national networking. The role of the school library media program is clarified. (Author/CMV)

Outlines the perspective within which the multimedia librarian must prepare for the future including future developments in networks, individualized information, increased computer use and cable television. (KP)

Describes an automated interlibrary loan request routing and referral system made available to U.S. biomedical libraries by the National Library of Medicine. The description covers the databases used and the systems modules that support various functions. The current status of the system and possible future developments are discussed. (six…

Describes a cooperative collection development program implemented by the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries (NAAL) to strengthen resources available for graduate education and research. Topics discussed include funding collection development, the formula for the equitable distribution of funds, research support, and other related activities.…

Reports on Bill and Melinda Gates's tour of Alabama, the first state to be wired to the Internet by the nonprofit Gates Library Foundation, and the model for connecting 1000 more libraries this year. Mutual appreciation between Alabama librarians and the Gateses resulted. An interview with Bill Gates focuses on challenges libraries face in…

Presents these special reports: "Information Age Dilemma: Filtering the Internet for Young People"; "KALIPER: A Look at Library and Information Science Education at the Turn of a New Century"; "Copyright 1998: Recalibrating the Balance"; "Library Networking and Cooperation in 1998". (AEF)