Describes two special libraries which operate as branch libraries of the University of Georgia and which deal entirely with marine sciences. Topics include historical background; meeting the information needs of researchers and educators; responsibilities of the librarians; networked resources and library automation; access via the Internet; and…

Discussion of community electronic networks focuses on the role of public libraries in terms of leadership, local information needs, access to electronic information including the Internet, education and training, and server hosts. A guide to resources on the World Wide Web is also included. (LRW)

Describes a study that examined the professional information needs of rural secondary school teachers in New South Wales (Australia). Concludes that teacher librarians have a pivotal role in meeting information needs, and that computer networks provide a means of overcoming the teachers' professional and geographical isolation. (LRW)

The Kansas Library Network Board (KLNB) appointed a Distance Learning Committee to investigate the possibilities for more effective cooperative arrangements between institutions sponsoring distance learning classes and local libraries. This document contains two sets of recommendations to the KLNB. The first set describes how the KLNB might assist…

Discusses the evolving Global Change Data and Information System (GCDIS) and the need for librarians and information scientists to become part of the user-feedback process to make the GCDIS effective, both now and in the future when public access through the Internet will be possible. (LRW)

Presents a library automation vendor's perspective on networking based on activities at Ameritech Information Systems. Topics discussed include the information explosion; information technology; user expectations and needs; remote access; the library of the future; systems integration; ownership versus access; copyright laws; and the role of the…

Discussion of access to the Internet focuses on access by public libraries. Topics addressed include the role of the public library; computer and information networks; the National Information Infrastructure; the NREN (National Research and Education Network); the telecommunications industry; federal legislation; costs; file transfer protocol; and…

Discussion of NREN (National Research and Education Network) focuses on balancing the needs of a wider user constituency with those of the more technical scientific community. The flow of information technology is discussed, including the roles of schools, universities, and libraries; and issues of government intervention and questions of funding…

Discusses the development of networked information services from a user's perspective. Topics discussed include user education; the issue of access to, versus retrieval of, information; the role of the library, including education and training, bibliographic control, and electronic information services; and training and education for librarians.…

Questions the wisdom of permitting visions of the electronic library to drive budgets and strategic planning. Social and economic realities limiting user access to information, new roles for librarians, and models that guide management of information resources and services by real librarians for real users are discussed. A proposed action agenda…

Describes the New York State Library's planning process and visions for its future in networked services. Topics discussed include roles for the library in a networked environment; leadership in networked services and training; network navigation; organizational response; services to state agencies and local government; and public kiosk services.…

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…

Argues that while academic libraries should integrate technology, maintain holistic computing environments, deliver core services through networks, make technology work for everyone not just the technologically adroit, and collaborate across administrative lines, reference services should retain traditional values such as equity of access,…

Gives an overview of past, present, and future developments the of Russian information infrastructure with emphasis on sci-tech information (STI). Research presented includes survey of the state STI system; STI infrastructure in transition; acquisition of foreign sci-tech publications; user needs; budgetary funding of scientific and information…

Discussion of the scope of electronic information resources available to libraries includes examples of several new sources. Solutions to increasing patron demand for materials are considered, including interlibrary loan, for-profit companies and agencies, and services that allow patrons to request materials directly. Issues of staff training,…