Describes the activities of SURFnet BV, a research network that provides information and communication services in higher education and scientific or industrial research in The Netherlands. Topics discussed include standardization; user services, including electronic mail; costs of using SURFnet; user support services; and the role of libraries in…

Presents 19 papers from the Second Southern African Online Information Meeting. The articles are based on practical experience with or applications of information technology, including hypermedia and multimedia, CD-ROM, electronic publishing, network services and gateways, user interfaces, and online searching and software. Contains 83 references…

Discusses worldwide developments and trends in information technology. Highlights include online databases versus CD-ROMs; audiotex and voice processing; fax information delivery; networks and gateway services; possibilities in eastern Europe; national information policies; effects of the creation of a single European market; and the role of…

This discussion of the role and effects of microcomputers in the information industry considers technological advances of recent times and how they may affect the future. Complexity of systems and systems control, problems of communication (machine-to-machine, machine-to-human), spread of microcomputers, and information networks and systems are…

Addresses concept of automated library systems as integration of traditional bibliographic transaction processing applications and advanced office systems. Functional application distribution for this system is discussed using Computer Consoles, Inc., Office Power and Prime Computer, Inc., and Prime Office Automation System to show office…

Considers electronic interlinkage between two library networks in regard to functions of online shared cataloging and online interlibrary lending based on computerized union catalog. Problem areas are discussed: political climate, professional attitude, incompatibility of organizations, management and staff differences, financial stability,…

Identifies two types of applications software for microcomputers: (1) communications, file transfer, and search assistance software, which facilitates intelligent access to external databases; and (2) software to support local database creation and searching. Functions of each type of software are described and examples of commercial packages are…

Provides a detailed description of the microcomputer hardware and software used by the Euronet-Diane Launch Team for automating a number of functions associated with online searching. Background, login procedures, program architecture, maintenance problems, comments on lessons learned, and suggestions for avoiding difficulties with this type of…

This overview of local library online systems that integrate several functions covers functional integration, benefits of integrated systems, turnkey systems, minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems, interfacing automated systems, types of interfaces, linking homogenous and heterogeneous systems, role of vendors, library applications, linking…

Considers three-dimensional impact of future information society on libraries--diffusion of information technology (library automation, electronic bibliographic control, remote access to library); transformation of societal systems (appearance of information literacy educational system, intelligence infrastructure); and changing human needs (goal…

Examines the possibility of constructing an online international union catalog from machine readable entries originating in different countries and discusses use of MARC-compatible records as records that can be converted to MARC algorithmically. Sources of cataloging records, problems generated by merging, and resolution of problems are…

Discusses the impact of information technology requirements on the costs of electronic libraries. Addresses key questions concerning hardware, software and network installation and upgrades and provides strategies for dealing with the needs for continuous funding and long-term financing that are essential for keeping up with the requirements of…

Outlines the present status of library automation and networking in Australia and explores the issues arising when regional network operations consider their relationship to the national Australian Bibliographic Network: provision of services, standards, network technology, contractual arrangements, economics, and policy. Thirty-eight references…

Describes framework for library networking which consists of six interdependent dimensions to be used for decision making by libraries: functions to be performed, type of access information, types of materials, products and services, networking configurations, and communications means. Use of a series of cost models describing activities within…

Describes an approach to electronic document delivery which has evolved at Tilburg University (Netherlands), leading to the development of a system called Ariadne. Highlights include various generations of electronic document delivery systems; standards, including the work of the Group on Electronic Document Interchange; and a description of the…