Discusses four automated serials control systems which have been installed by at least six general libraries: OCLC's Serials Control Subsystem, Faxon's LINX, Ebsco's EBSCONET, and CLASS' CHECKMATE. Features of each system, accessibility, and costs are noted. (EJS)

Discusses ways in which new information technologies are creating change in the academic environment and in the roles of traditional knowledge centers, and describes a program in which three academic support services--the library, computer center, and media center--have integrated planning and services to provide access to information. (CLB)

Technical services librarians can use the Internet for acquisitions--search online databases for title information; listservs--discuss professional issues; cataloging--telnet to other university catalogs; serials--perform online claiming and/or subscribe to electronic journals; bibliographic utilities--search OCLC and RLIN. A related concern is…

Assesses the effect of the communications technology revolution on library and information specialists and the environment for the delivery of library services. Four functions affecting the library and information environment--management, communications, instruction, and publication--are noted. (EJS)

Explains the development of an electronic information network in Maryland called Seymour that offers bibliographic records; full-text databases; community information databases; the ability to request information and materials; local, state, and federal information; and access to the Internet. Policy issues are addressed, including user fees and…

Reviews the conception and services of ALANET, American Library Association's (ALA) electronic information service designed to create an electronic mail system and develop a wide-ranging information service to improve access to information resources of ALA. External databases, professional information services, communications networks, assisting…

Provides a brief history of the Universal Serials and Book Exchange, describes the services available from USBE, and discusses its plans for the future. (CHC)

Describes the Library Computer System, an online circulation system used in 22 Illinois libraries, that features complete holdings and circulation status information for serials and monographs. Problems in the network environment, plans for modification, and reasons why the system works are identified. References and two additional readings are…

Results of Pittsburgh Regional Library Center Serials Cancellation Project are discussed, providing insight into problems and opportunities of multi-institution collection management decision-making using the online catalog. Previous attempts to coordinate collection management decisions, cancellation of serial titles, an online standard code for…

Outlines the automation process at the Library of Congress begun in 1961, noting problems encountered and future possibilities, and describing databases currently in use--SCORPIO, MUMS, MARC, COPICS AND COINS, ISIS, AND PAGING. (EJS)

This report on the microcomputer-to-mainframe link highlights advantages and weaknesses of each system when used independently; technical considerations for link (personal computer emulates a dumb terminal, data transfer, selective data access category, nongeneric links); how librarians can use the link; availability of software; and planning for…

Describes patterns of interlibrary loan (ILL) activity based on analysis of transactions from the OCLC ILL System from 1986-91. Highlights include growth in borrowing and lending; borrowing and lending by type of library and by state; and recommendations for libraries and OCLC to ensure future growth. (LRW)

Infrastructures and competitiveness are considered in the context of library networking, library service, and economic development in the state of North Carolina. The North Carolina Information Network, a network developed and maintained by the state library and responsive to the needs of the nonlibrary community, is described. (MES)

Activities of Online Computer Library Center, a nonprofit corporation developed in 1967 that provides a cooperative, computerized network, are discussed. Member, staff, and financial growth; unique subsystems (cataloging, acquisitions, serials control, interlibrary loan, retrospective conversion); problems with terminals, taxes, and competitive…

This description of the development of an academic research library in Los Angeles includes a brief history of the University of California, and discusses university librarians, library buildings, special collections, automation, and cooperative programs. (EJS)