The principle issues and parameters of concern at this conference on Interlibrary Communications and Information Networks are discussed. Information networks are defined as having information resources, readers, or users, schemes for the intellectual organization of documents and data, methods for the delivery of resources to users, formal…

John Cory speaking at a conference on library networks identified four generations of library organization, each achieving increasing levels of capacity, effectiveness, complexity and versatility and decreasing unit cost. The four generations are: (1) A single library of a single type - a public, college, school or special library; (2) A system or…

In a recent issue of "Fortune," the leading article carried the predictive title, "The Coming Shake-Up in Telecommunications." Increasingly, the attention of the business community and the general public is being called to the emergence of such new and potentially revolutionary communications technologies as CATV (community…

Some of the organizational requirements for the establishment of a network of interlinked information services are discussed in this paper. In particular, the analysis concerns the relation of social science data banks to libraries and related organizations. These problems are approached from the standpoint of a director of a social science data…

Telecommunications planning is viewed as a decision problem in which a decision maker must select among several alternative telecommunication systems with different costs and performance characteristics. In some cases the decision will involve comparison of alternatives with outcomes that involve the behavioral responses of users to the system,…

The future paths of research and development towards world-wide, automated information networks in full operation are examined. From international networked planning and projects under way it appears that exploratory as well as normative approaches have been taken. To some extent adequate technolgical facilities have already come into existence…

Covers some general developments in circulation technology, vendor and network approaches to circulation, problem areas, and some hints on system procurement. (Author)

The futures of public libraries in the inter-library cooperation network is outlined. Also included is a challenge to public libraries to be in the forefront of cooperation in order to provide expanded information services. (Author)

This article examines library use studies as the most valid measure of any item's worth to a library or information system: use remains the primary criterion for retention. It is essential that libraries differentiate in their statements of institutional goals between archival and library/information system responsibility. (Author/AWP)

This account of the Centre, prepared by the Secretariat of the Council of Europe, is in three parts: the first, Background, explains its origins and policy framework; the sections headed Operations and Publications respectively describe its functions as a library" and as a publishing house." (Author)

Discusses the information explosion as it relates to the emergence of the information handling capability explosion, or the use of computer technology, citing library network online databases as evidences of information control. (EJS)

Describes the replication agreements between WLN and replicating institutions such as the National Library of Australia and the University of Illinois whereby use of WLN software is permitted on the basis of reciprocity of bibliographic information by the contracting parties. (RAA)

Considers the application of game theory to library networks in two areas: the development of a systematic way to study individual coalitions, and the stability of the network. (FM)

Argues for the passage of the National Library and Information Services Act, a piece of Federal legislation currently pending before Congress. Opponents' objections to the legislation are addressed, and the entire library community is asked to support the bill. (LLS)

A challenge is presented to school media specialists to become informed about networks and data bases in order to expand access to resources to meet user needs. (Author)