The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, administers a free library program for those unable to read standard printed materials, reproducing and distributing works in braille, recorded disc, and recorded cassette. A previous study of the distribution network identified costs and developed…

The project presented here explored the possibility of using computer-based systems to increase information access to non-text children's materials at the pre-school through elementary (6th grade) school levels. This final report includes an indicative summary as well as ten separate papers that describe a range of applications of proven computer…

The objectives of the MASFILE-I Pilot Project were (1) to test the utility and cost of compiling a manipulative data base from remote card files; (2) to test the utility of the Administrative Terminal System (ATS) for inputting bibliographic data into computer files from catalog card copy at a central location; (3) to test the adequacy of a…

Describes the implementation of a telefacsimile plan used for interlibrary loan messaging and document delivery, and evaluates the system in terms of volume and quality of transmissions, turnaround time, costs and human resources, and equipment operation. The benefits and potential of telefacsimile for interlibrary loans are summarized.…

Discussion of scholarly communication focuses on the prospects for structural reform based on a loosely coupled system instead of the often-assumed interdependent system. Topics addressed include libraries and academic institutions; library networks; scholars and journals; the role of university presses; price discrimination; informal information…

Descriptions and appraisals of significant recent trends and developments in the field of information science are presented. The eleven individual chapters deal, respectively, with the following topics: 1) the economics of information, 2) document description and representation, 3) automated language processing, 4) microform technology, 5) library…

Based on analysis of the current system and comparison with existing and possible alternatives, this report evaluates the effectiveness of the Indiana library cooperative network, a de facto network based on the activities of individual libraries, Area Library Services Authorities (ALSAs), the Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority…

A demonstration project was undertaken to determine whether 1978 telefacsimile technology--specifically the Qwip 1200, the Rapidfax 100, and the Colorado Video Inc. Slow Scan Television--could address rural public library needs in an effective manner. Five public libraries in developing communities in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, South Dakota, and…

This report presents results from Phase 1 of the British Columbia Library Network (BCLN) Project, which included the installation and evaluation of a comprehensive library cataloging system using the University of Victoria Computing Center IBM 4341 computer. Evaluation included actual use of the system, performance and cost studies, feature and…

This publication specifies a set of general and technical requirements that must be met by the proposed Name Authority File Service in order to create an integrated, consistent name authority file for a nationwide library and information services network. Contributions from selected institutions operating online to a single computer-based system…

This study compares the three versions of DOBIS (Dartmunder Bibliothekssystem) that are currently running in Canada and the Washington Library Network (WLN) systems in order to determine which one is the most appropriate to replicate in support of the British Columbia Library Network (BCLN). Comparisons of systems costs and operating features, the…

In order to identify an appropriate legal structure for an interstate library agency in the southwest region of the United States the variety of existing organizational patterns actually used by various interstate service operations or potentially available for use were surveyed. Attention was paid to the legal requirements which influence the…

The paper concerns some of the economic considerations inherent in designing user services that incorporate various communication systems. It describes three such services considered important in providing information to the biomedical community comprised of practicing physicians and those engaged in teaching and research, as well as other…

The scope of the California State Library-Processing Center (CSL-PC) project is to develop the design and specifications for a computerized technical processing center to provide services to a network of participating California libraries. Immediate objectives are: (1) retrospective conversion of card catalogs to a machine-form data base,…

Discussion of library networking issues that may be relevant to Japanese and U.S. libraries as they increase their use of central databases and local systems includes the role of the traditional library, distributed systems, linked systems, and the emergence of commercial systems. (Author/CLB)