Provides generalizations and offers speculations about online library catalogs based on experiences of the Division of Library Automation, University of California, noting cataloging for access, rediscovering serial analytics, document delivery, electronic publishing, remote public access, circulation systems, and reference services. Four…

Includes five papers presented at the 1995 VTLS Inc. Fifth Annual Director's Conference in Roanoke (Virginia), entitled "Back to Basics: Rethinking Libraries." Topics include libraries' use of high technology, collection management and electronic publishing, public services and telecommuting clientele, what to expect of library school…

Describes the Pacific Northwest Bibliographic Center's use of Electronic Mail Systems to transmit and receive interlibrary loan requests among the network's member libraries. Cost was determined to be minimal when compared to benefits of faster turn-around time, savings in staff time, and improved communications. (RAA)

Explores issues surrounding efforts to introduce online catalogs to users and presents relevant research results from Northwestern University's "Educating the Online Catalog User" project. Highlights include attitudes and preconceptions about online catalogs and instruction, research on online catalog use, suggestions for online catalog teaching,…

Describes CETUS (Consortium for Educational Technology for University Systems), a partnership among the libraries of California State University, City University of New York, and State University of New York. Topics include changing roles of library staffs, ownership and fair use of copyrights, acquisition and access, and distance learning. (LRW)

Outlines the use of proxy Web servers by libraries and reports on a survey on their use in libraries. Highlights include proxy use for remote resource access, for filtering, for bandwidth conservation, and for gathering statistics; privacy policies regarding the use of proxy server log files; and a copy of the survey. (LRW)

Focuses on the centralized, online, shared-cataloging facility of the Australian Bibliographic Network operated by the National Library of Australia. Existing automated library systems in Australia, selection and implementation of Washington Library Network software, comparison of Australian and U.S. automation, and projections for future…

Describes the development of the Collaborative Digital Reference Service (CDRS) by the Library of Congress and partner libraries that provides professional reference service to users through an international digital network of libraries. Discusses the benefits of searching library collections rather than just Internet sources and considers future…

Presents a model that calculates the conditions under which a library may adopt a highly service-oriented online catalog access policy at minimum additional cost. The use of arrival rates, service rates, and queueing calculations to arrive at a cost-effective policy is explained. (Author/CLB)

Describes the MALMAD (Israel Center for Digital Information Services) consortium that was set up by the eight universities of Israel to serve as a common framework for the procurement and licensing of digital information. Discusses the organizational framework, budget, services, and future plans. (Author/LRW)

The six articles comprising this special section on MELVYL, the University of California automated library system, discuss plans for the future, general recommendations for online catalog design, evaluation methods, evolution of computing resources, impact on the work of librarians, and academic goals and benefits. A chronology of MELVYL…

Describes how extended reference service is offered within the electronic environment at the University of Central Florida Library. Discusses how new technologies, specifically electronic discussion lists, facilitate reporting and program implementation within the library community as a whole. Summarizes underlying principles, alternative…

Describes nine categories of library automation systems intended for direct use by library patrons: catalog information systems; electronic information systems; information presentation systems; instructional systems; consultation systems; information services and delivery systems; conferencing systems; integrative systems; and user computing…

Findings of focused-group interviews conducted for OCLC study of library users and online public access catalogs (OPACs) indicate users like OPACs, have problems finding right subject heading, envision features to improve subject access, want access to more than books, and want OPACs to provide new services. Eight references are listed. (EJS)

This review of the overall findings of the "Educating the Online Catalog User" project at Northwestern University Library focuses on methods of data collection used in evaluating online catalog performance and user performance. The rationale and methodology of transaction log monitoring and new directions for technical development are…