This monograph is an overview of the present and possible future trends in networking, the use of computer communications technology to facilitate the sharing of information and computer resources over great distances. The text reviews networks already being used by universities to share instructional resources and computing ability, and by…

This paper proposes a rationale and a plan for using on-line data base retrieval services to provide bibliographies tailored to the information needs of college students enrolled in academic courses. It examines the possible applications of such a service, estimates costs per class and per user, and outlines the objectives, evaluation procedures,…

Discussion of the college library of the future addresses issues involved in providing information in electronic formats via computer networks, different levels of workstations, online catalogs providing access to databases in multiple disciplines, and remote access to library resources. Plans for a new facility at George Mason University…

Describes the alternatives used by the Penn State University libraries to respond to the challenge of providing access to the many different kinds of databases. Approaches include development of a generic interface based on the Z39.50 protocol; staff support, including instruction, reliable documentation, and staff involvement; and better user…

Discusses the development of electronic libraries at Cornell University's (New York) Mann Library and elsewhere and presents an overview of changes in services and staff responsibilities needed to address user needs. Sidebar articles discuss Internet access to government information; changing staff roles; geographic information systems; the Mann…

Reviews recent literature on the use of technology in libraries by children and young adults. Highlights include the effectiveness of interactive information retrieval systems; children's use of card catalogs versus online catalogs; skills needed for success in using library catalogs; children's abilities to formulate searchable queries; and the…

Provides an overview of the IRIS (Intelligent Reference Information System) project at the University of Houston (Texas) libraries; describes CD-ROM database performance tests, user reactions to the CD-ROM network, and a survey of users of an expert system to recommend reference sources; and reports on current activities and future plans.…

Users of optical data disk (CD-ROM) materials at the Main Library workstations of the State University of New York at Albany were surveyed to examine the problems they encountered while conducting their searches, identify factors that interfere with their task performance, determine their needs with regard to improvement in the databases they…

This proceedings contains 56 papers, presentation summaries, and/or slide presentations pertaining to the Internet, World Wide Web, intranets, and library systems. Topics include: Web databases in medium sized libraries; Dow Jones Intranet Toolkit; the future of online; Web searching and Internet basics; digital archiving; evolution of the online…

Despite increasing and widespread access to more information, finding published research, studies, and literature in the field of education and psychology has become more complex. This paper demonstrates how to access published literature in various formats, including books, journal articles, conference proceedings, lesson plans, media, Web sites,…

The traditional mode of operation of academic libraries is in crisis due to a combination of zero growth funding, rapidly escalating pricing on information resources (especially scientific journals), necessary investments in technology and human resource development, and increasing customer expectations. These issues are addressed as they relate…

This issue presents 42 articles that provide an overview of current reference services in all types of libraries in Illinois. Highlights include designing reference areas; policies and manuals; the reference interview; reference tools; automated databases; resource sharing; services to youth; services to special populations; and reference…

In a desire for automated collection control, archival repositories are adopting barcoding from their library and records center colleagues. This article discusses the planning, design, and implementation phases of barcoding. The authors focus on reasons for barcoding, security benefits, in-room circulation tracking, potential for gathering…

The 25 articles in this book were written by librarians as a guide for reference services personnel working in two-year college libraries. Part I, The Community College Reference Mission, includes "Community College Services," by Derrie B. Roark; "Community College Librarianship: A Changing Frontier," by Marilyn Searson Lary; "Typical Is Atypical:…

Recent technological advances and administrative planning have significantly improved the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's (UNL) ability to provide continuing education courses to students at a distance. The UNL Libraries deliver services in partnership with the Division of Continuing Studies and several departments on campus. This paper focuses…