Discussion of state information networks highlights the network entrepreneurs, state network development, the third decade of networking, and six potential issues of special concern to state library networks: decentralization, standards, linkage, technical obsolescence, security, and appropriate technology for small libraries. (EJS)

Since the formal organization of the Michigan Library Consortium, its financial support has come through membership fees and a grant from the Michigan State Library from Title III funds. The financing of the consortium is already a complex operation and will become even more complex as new programs are undertaken, since funds have been accepted…

Presents perspective of the executive director of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) on information networking, covering developments in the last 15 years, NCLIS activities, economic and political problems of networking, ownership and governance of networks and databases, and other difficult and challenging…

This presentation by the president and chief executive officer of OCLC focuses on library automation and networking in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, citing an article by Richard DeGennaro and relating experiences at OCLC in resource sharing and related information services. (EJS)

This examination of the problems and opportunities of system organization from the viewpoint of public libraries provides a perspective on the growth of library networks, their administration, and the pressures that opposed their development in the 1970's. It identifies the requirements for their further development, and looks at the need for new…

Description of the development of a computer-based resource-sharing program in Massachusetts highlights past planning efforts, development of philosophical basis of network, network activities (development and linking of bibliographic databases, document request and delivery procedures, computer literacy/training for librarians), and issues…

As part of its responsibility for the development of bibliographic services in Australia, the Australian National Library presents this draft proposal for a national online shared cataloging facility to be known as the Australian Bibliographic Network or ABN. A preface describes ABN's historical background and relationship to BIBDATA, a previously…

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 collection evaluation tool available to Research Libraries Group (RLG) institutions which provides overview, arranged by subject, of existing collection strengths and future collecting intensities of RLG members. Antecedents of the tool and an online version are discussed. Seven references, definitions of collecting levels, and language…

In 1990, the Louisiana Board of Regents commissioned a task force on libraries to develop a plan for greater cooperation and resource sharing among the state's academic libraries. The mission was hampered by the sparsity of automated facilities and the failure to secure state funding for public library automation, but by 1992 the task force had…

The IRVING Library Network provides state-of-the-art design, using a distributed packet switched network which implements parts of the Open System Interconnection Reference Model as defined by International Standards Organization. It provides gateway to other networks without disturbing local host systems and creates network language. Glossary and…

Presents remarks of the Secretary of State and State Librarian of Illinois concerning the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET) which was created in 1965. Effective use of developing technology (online catalogs, interlibrary loan, automated circulation systems, collection development), anticipating changing needs of library users, and…

Profiles the New England Library Information Network (NELINET), whose purpose is to serve as focal point for achievement of cost effective library automation through shared resources. Origins of NELINET are highlighted as well as NELINET services, including archival tapes, role as OCLC broker network, cost effectiveness, and successful use of new…

Discusses the inception and history of the Research Libraries Group, a member-owned corporation of 25 universities begun in 1972 and dedicated to improving the management of information necessary for the advancement of scholarship. Goals, programs (shared resources program, collection development program), and network database are noted. (EJS)

Discussion of Illinois experiences in library cooperation and computerization (OCLC, Library Computer System, LIBRAS) describes use of library materials, benefits and drawbacks of online networking, experiences at Lake Forest College (Illinois), and six tasks recommended for small academic libraries as preparation for major changes toward…