Discussion of virtual reference services focuses on software that is currently available and further developments that are needed. Topics include co-browsing and collaboration capabilities; communications technology, including chat technology and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP); networked reference services; and online reference collections…

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…

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)

Reviews the history of Telidon, the Canadian videotex system; describes Telidon's alphageometric method of graphic-information encoding; discusses some experimental applications of the Telidon system; and describes attempts at developing a North American standard for videotex systems. Five figures are included. (JL)

Outlines the issues and concerns of providing spatial data that have been encountered by the Map and Geographic Information Center (MAGIC) at the University of Connecticut's library. Highlights include collecting and archiving, cataloging and indexing, networking, distribution, user education, geographic information systems, and a glossary of key…

Analyzes the implications of electronic book technology (e-books) on academic libraries. Discusses new business models for publishers, including self-publishing, Internet publishing, and partnerships with libraries as publishers; impact on library services, including cataloging, circulation, and digital preservation; user benefits; standards;…

Describes public library reference service which allows patrons to type out search instructions on a computer terminal, review and select references, and receive, by high-speed printer, facsimile copy of selected periodical articles. Development of periodicals center at main county library and use of self-coaching SEARCH HELPER system are…

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…

This article is the result of author's visit to more than 16 of China's top university libraries, various Academy of Sciences libraries, and National Peking Library during 1984-85 academic year. Topics covered include hardware inventory, software applications development, Chinese ideograph automation, China's library classification system, and…

Reports on time effectiveness and success rate of various methods used by the Interlibrary Loan Department (ILL) of the Paul Klapper Library, Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY). Requests processed by ILL during fall 1979 and spring 1981 on the OCLC ILL subsystem, a CUNY teletype service, and the New York State Interlibrary Loan…

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…

Describes the development of a prototype Intelligent Reference Information System (IRIS) at the University of Houston library which integrated a CD-ROM local area network (LAN) and expert system technologies. Evaluations of the CD-ROM LAN performance and user reactions are reported, and possible future developments are discussed. (13 references)…

The Calgary Libraries Telidon Trial involved four major libraries--Calgary Public, Mount Royal College, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the University of Calgary--and resulted in videotex library services. This report discusses the beginning of the project, types of information input, conclusions of library-information providers, and…

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…