Cooperation between different types of libraries to increase ease of patron access was not capable of great strides until the technological advances of the mid-1980s. Writers in the field are reporting increased pockets of activity, but also say that traditional ideas, such as pride of ownership or fear of future results from fixed commitments,…

Discusses new developments in online library catalogs, including Web-based catalogs; interconnectivity within the library; interconnectivity between libraries; graphical user interfaces; pricing models; and a checklist of questions to ask when purchasing a new online catalog. (LRW)

Discusses the impact of decreases in revenues on the resource-sharing activities of ILLINET Online and the Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization (ILCSO). Strategies for successfully coping with fiscal crises are suggested, including reducing levels of service and initiating user fees for interlibrary loans and faxing photocopied journal…

This theme issue discusses the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET). Topics addressed include network components, the interlibrary loan code, the resource sharing union catalog, the OCLC users' group, OCLC's EPIC service, access to indexing services, SILO (Serials of Illinois Libraries Online) members, and excerpts from the…

This report considers the ways that the Regis University (Colorado) library has addressed needs created by new adult education programs offered at 10 campus locations in the region, 15 prison sites, a number of corporations, and through independent study. Creation of a new position for a full-time librarian for extended library services and…

Describes the history of consortia and cooperative efforts among libraries and their role in distance learning in higher education. Discusses shared online catalogs; purchases of electronic resources; supporting distance learners' information needs, including virtual reference; staff training; change management; cooperative planning; vendor…

Discusses the use of OCLC to improve library service in Illinois and emphasizes library cooperation through LVIS (Libraries Very Interested in Sharing) and Group Access Capability (GAC) groups. Topics include interlibrary loan; union lists; resource sharing agreements; and the role of the Illinois State Library. (LRW)

Describes the use of office automation equipment at Chemical Abstracts Services (CAS) Library Services and its impact on the reference services offered. Functions discussed include the use of electronic mail for 24-hour library access, online searching, online access to other library collections, and coordination of online searching done by CAS…

Four papers on biological and medical sciences libraries were presented at the 1986 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference. "Activities and Services of Medical Libraries in Japan--Past, Present, and Future" (Kazuo Urata and Toshinobu Suga, Japan) discusses the inauguration of the Japan Medical Library…

Describes participation by Sri Lanka in the HELLIS (Health Literature, Library and Information Services) Network, which links libraries for sharing health information resources at the national and regional levels. Highlights include establishment of the program; background, scope, function, and resources of participating libraries; and current…

Describes the historical background, structure, and services of OCLC. Ways in which OCLC can assist small rural libraries in meeting users' needs are discussed, including cataloging, access to a wide range of library resources, access to CD-ROM technology, and provision of a major resource sharing tool through the "Online Union Catalog"…

This paper examines the belief that no more than half of the public school libraries in the state of Ohio are automated to any degree. The purpose of the research was to determine the degree and nature of automation at the public school libraries in Ohio. A written survey was mailed to 350 libraries that represented a randomized sample of the…

The purpose of this manual is to assist libraries throughout Alabama in requesting materials and information through the Alabama Library Information Network (ALIN). Designed as part of an ongoing effort that will be updated, the guide contains profiles of the interlibrary loan policies from academic, public, special, and junior college libraries…

Presents a selective annotated bibliography of 61 items that deal with topics related to document delivery, including networks; hypertext; interlibrary loan; computer security; electronic publishing; copyright; online catalogs; resource sharing; electronic mail; electronic libraries; optical character recognition; microcomputers; liability issues;…

In fiscal year (FY) 1991, the U.S. Department of Education made 36 awards totaling $5,854,924 under the Strengthening Research Library Resources Program (Higher Education Act Title II-C) to 26 major research libraries throughout the country. The funding supports research library projects designed to make certain rare and unique materials more…