Competition in the virtual reference market got really hot this past summer. Recent developments in virtual reference offerings suggest the market is much more dynamic than most people would have imagined a short time ago. With Google's acquisition of Meebo and its subsequent decision to shut down the chat widget service, many libraries scrambled…

The paper describes the theory and definition of the practice of librarianship, specifically addressing how Web 2.0 technologies (tools) such as synchronous messaging, collaborative reference service and streaming media, blogs, wikis, social networks, social bookmarking tools, tagging, RSS feeds, and mashups might intimate changes and how…

Reports the results of a survey of a free university-run electronic bulletin board. Provides data on gender, age, computer experience, frequency of use, reasons for use, and type of use for 122 users who responded to either an online or mailed survey. (JDH)

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)

Discussion of applications of teleconferencing, technology which allows information delivery and communication to take place through a television system, highlights three types of systems (videotext, teletext, fully interactive television); systems in use (CEEFAX, Oracle, Prestel, Telidon, Viewtron); public resistance; and telereference services…

A pilot project was conducted from May 1980 to November 1983 to test the application of iNet--a decentralized, packet-switched telecommunications network--to bibliographic data interchange in Canada. The principal components of the project were participation of the Bibliographic Common Interest Group (BCIP), a group of libraries with stand-alone,…

This document describes the development of computer conferencing (CC) and its role within information service communities, particularly in Finland and Sweden. CC is defined as a computer-based messaging (CBM) system providing an asynchronous communications structure for group work. It is noted that CC differs from electronic mail and that CC…

This working paper documents the efforts of a professional information center (PIC) in Denver to provide resources that aid teachers and administrators in selecting software programs for varied microcomputer uses. The report outlines the development of PIC as a coordinator and clearinghouse for organizing and disseminating information on computers…

Describes the live virtual reference service, Q and A NJ (Question and Answer New Jersey), strategies used to meet the challenges of day-to-day management, scaled growth and quality control. Describes how it began; how long it took; how to manage a large project (constant communication; training and practice; transcript analysis and privacy;…

This manual provides information to aid home computer owners in performing literature searches of ERIC and other education and social science databases using the BRS Information Technologies "After Dark" system. Assuming some familiarity with printed ERIC indexes or online searches, this manual is divided into five chapters. It is…

This manual provides information to aid home computer owners in performing literature searches of ERIC and other education and social science databases, such as the DIALOG Information Services "Knowledge Index" System. Assuming some familiarity with printed ERIC indexes or online searches, this manual is divided into five chapters. It is…

Describes the databases available to Canadian libraries through the Canadian Selective Dissemination of Information (CAN/SDI) Program: Library of Congress/MARC tapes, ERIC, Social Science Citation Index, and Psychological Abstracts. The CAN/SDI program is useful for the school librarian and teacher in the special profiles and online retrospective…

At a 2-day meeting in October 1982, the Library of Congress Network Advisory Committee (NAC) members discussed the complex issues involved in public and private sector interactions and their relationship to networking activities. The report, "Public Sector/Private Sector Interaction in Providing Information Services," prepared by the…

Surveys the impact of computers and related technology on reference work in Australia highlighting online information retrieval and related databases; Australian Information Network; coverage of Australian material in local and foreign databases; Australian Bibliographic Network; electronic mail; Australian Consortium for Social and Political…

Describes developments in Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) electronic reference services. Presents a background on networked cataloging and the initial implementation of reference services by OCLC. Discusses the introduction of OCLC FirstSearch service, which today offers access to over 65 databases, future developments in integrated…