The MetaScholar Initiative is a collaborative endeavor to explore the feasibility and utility of scholarly portal services developed in conjunction with Open Archives Initiative metadata harvesting technologies. This article describes two projects that the MetaScholar Initiative comprises, as well as accomplishments and findings to date. (AEF)

Summary of developments that have occurred in the past year in online news-retrieval services highlights the demise of the New York Times Information Service, Information Access Corporation's database additions and enhancements, full-text services, specialized databases with current events content, and microcomputer access to news. Twelve…

Outlines steps in establishment of ALANET (electronic mail and information service of American Library Association): setting program goals; analyzing internal and external environments; choosing vendor; covering operational and service aspects; keeping up, keeping ahead. Support features (bulletin boards, electronic newsletters) and flexibility in…

The Faxon Company has developed a user-friendly, menu-driven database that includes all serial titles from every subject area announced within the past three years. Accessible by ASCII terminals and personal computers, INFOSERV is available through Telenet and provides a brief bibliographic description together with availability information for…

This 26-item annotated bibliography cites articles and conference papers from 1981-1984 related to end-user searching of online databases in three sections: End-User Search Services and Systems, End User versus Intermediary, and Training of the End User. Questions concerning role of the librarian/intermediary and cost effectiveness of end-user…

Defines and discusses the equipment and software needed to start telecommunicating: modems (speed, autodial or manual dial, stand-alone or built-in), telephones, telecommunications software, and commercial information services, including electronic mail and bulletin boards. Definitions, communications protocols, equipment features, and costs are…

The SilverPlatter system is a complete, stand-alone system, consisting of an IBM (or compatible) personal computer, compact disc with read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive, software, and one or more databases. Large databases (e.g., ERIC, PsycLIT) will soon be available on the system for "local" installation in schools, libraries, and…

Discussion of Australia's move toward library automation highlights development of a national bibliographic network, local and regional cooperation, integrated library systems, telecommunications, and online systems, as well as microcomputer usage, ergonomics, copyright issues, and national information policy. Information technology plans of the…

Describes the ideas, decisions, and discussions behind the Internet Public Library (IPL), their impact, and implementation on the World Wide Web. The focus is on the work of the following development groups: technology; reference; online reference help; online collections; youth; services to librarians; education and outreach; and public…

Introduces concept of the education utility (supplies clients with equipment and software to gain access to information in databases, computer programs, electronic mail networks) and explores methodologies that might be used to deliver services to subscribers, primarily schools. Potential uses of a utility and possible advantages and disadvantages…

InfoTrac is a laserdisc system that provides local computer-access to Information Access Company's periodical databases and offers libraries an extensive, self-contained reference system. The system, which employs an IBM PC microcomputer, a Hewlett-Packard Thinkjet printer, and a Pioneer videodisc player, provides advantages of online searching at…

Provides examples of automation and connectivity initiatives that involve libraries in Nebraska. Highlights include the role of state government; Nebraska Online, an Internet-based information service for electronic communication; a public library cooperative automation project; a college library consortium; a library listserv; and the Nebraska…

Discusses multitype library cooperation in South Dakota, including a statewide automated network that supports library operations and contains periodical indexes; state library activities that include providing service to rural libraries via the Internet as well as library staff training; and school library projects. (LRW)