Emerging technologies and networking are currently forcing major system changes. The strong trend toward networking and resource sharing among libraries is making the need for standardization more apparent than ever. (Author)

Discusses the nature of videotex and teletext systems, describes a number of currently operational videotex and teletext systems, reviews the importance of standardization in videotex/teletext information transmission, and outlines the important role played by AT&T and the ANTIOPE system in developing the commercial potential of videotex. (JL)

Discussion of standards and protocols (set of rules by which two computers or other electronic devices can exchange data for same purpose) highlights history of standards and their interaction with the design and evolution of real computer networks. Topics noted include reference models; conformance, compatibility, and interoperability; and…

Discusses the need for standards allowing computer-to-computer communication and gives examples of technical issues. The seven-layer framework of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model is explained and illustrated. Sidebars feature public data networks and Recommendation X.25, OSI standards, OSI layer functions, and a glossary.…

Assesses the development of videotex, an information system involving both computers and communications, noting efforts in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Federal regulations in the telecommunications industry, technical standards for videotex, and the production of videotex system components are discussed. (EJS)

The Dublin Core metadata community and the INDECS/DOI community of authors, rights holders, and publishers are seeking common ground in the expression of metadata for information resources. An open "Schema Harmonization" working group has been established to identify a common framework to support interoperability among these communities.…

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…

Reviews the history of Telidon, the Canadian videotex system; describes Telidon's alphageometric method of graphic-information encoding; discusses some experimental applications of the Telidon system; and describes attempts at developing a North American standard for videotex systems. Five figures are included. (JL)

User access procedures to information systems have become of crucial importance with the advent of computer networks, which have opened new types of resources to a broad spectrum of users. This report surveys user access protocols of six representative systems: BASIC, GE MK II, INFONET, MEDLINE, NIC/ARPANET and SPIRES. Functional access…

Outlines history of the development of the Unesco Common Communication Format, which is designed to enable exchange of records (monographs, serials, journal articles, contributions in proceedings) between different agencies throughout the world. Highlights include definition of "exchange format," major technical features, and examples of…

Discusses the need for an online interface between existing networks and between stand-alone systems and networks through examination of network synergy, trends in networking, and types of services provided by online library networks. The need for creation of implemented network standards for network message traffic is noted. (CWM)

This paper considers the ways in which information finding is changing in a world of digital information and associated search systems, with particular focus on methods of locating information that are distinct from, but complementary to, established practices of bibliographic description. The following three general approaches to identifying…

The two purposes of this report are to present concrete proposals related to the need for the National Library of Canada to facilitate the development of nationwide bibliographic and associated communications networks, and to outline the relevant network concepts assumed in framing the nine recommendations and the related implementation proposals…

This paper explores general issues surrounding the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database--its content, operations, and possible "futures." It addresses specific questions regarding restrictions on content and, in particular, the exclusion from the database of a range of non-print media; and the exclusion of the…

Social, technological, and economic factors relevant to informed decision-making are presented to provide policymakers with an understanding of factors involved in national entry into videotex and/or teletext technologies. It is assumed that the policymaker has a basic knowledge of computers, but little or no knowledge of the videotex-related…