A strong commitment to network resources is the best route for depositories to take in providing access to government information. The Government Printing Office needs to assume a leadership role in the advances of technology, phasing out federal CD-ROMs and replacing them with Internet sources via gophers and the World Wide Web. (Author/AEF)

Defines and discusses responsibilities of CD-ROM librarians, including external CD-ROM librarians located in academic computer centers, CD-ROM information technology department librarians, and electronic information librarians. Addresses reasons for the creation of these positions and examines current and future roles of these CD-ROM librarians in…

Examines vendors' views on the future of CD-ROM technology. Topics include the library role, single point access, costs, tape backup, user-friendly library automation systems and databases, improved quality, the growth of Internet access, and perspectives on technology in schools. (AEF)

Argues that reference services will not only survive changes brought about by new technologies, but will be improved and enhanced as a result. Examples given include online public access catalogs, automated record-keeping operations, CD-ROM as an information storage medium, the continuing need for intermediaries in online searching, and copyright…

The development of CD-ROM following early computers and powerful personal computers will affect information retrieval by its accessibility and large storage capacity. Users will demand specific information and data sets from libraries, which could provide large research capacities. Librarians will act as database managers, thus enhancing their…

The assumption is made that what the 1990s have in store for users of depository libraries will hinge on three crucial areas: (1) the reform and development of government information policies; (2) changing technology; and (3) the willingness and ability of the depository libraries to accommodate these changes. The uncertain role of the government…

Describes how the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and several other databases were added to the online public access catalog at Indiana State University, and explores impacts of enhancing access in this manner at several academic libraries. Telecommunications and software design consideration are also discussed, together with…

Traditionally, libraries have had a role of providing equitable access for those who might not otherwise have access, and this role continues today in implementing access to electronic resources. However, there are special problems in applying this mission to prison libraries. A short history of automation in prison libraries is followed by a…

Public libraries have a responsibility toward all of their patrons, including home schoolers. "Home schooling" describes the situation where parents or guardians choose not to send their children to public or private schools, but instead educate their children themselves. Libraries are very important to home schoolers because, in most…