Securing public access workstations should be a significant part of any library's network and information-security strategy because of the sensitive information patrons enter on these workstations. As the IT manager for the Johnson County Library in Kansas City, Kan., this author is challenged to make sure that thousands of patrons get the access…

Discussion of the NREN (National Research and Education Network) and issues of access focuses on the role of the public library. Highlights include current uses of the Internet; resource sharing; guidelines for public library service; availability of the Internet and NREN through public libraries; and a sidebar that lists sources of further…

The provision of public Internet access and related networked services by public libraries is affected by a number of information policy issues. This article analyzes the policy dimensions of Internet connectivity in public libraries in light of the data and findings from a national survey of public libraries conducted by the authors of this…

Examines the role that public libraries can play in the Australian government's objective of developing a network literate society. Highlights include an historical perspective; national infrastructures and government agendas; social equity; equitable access and user fees; Internet-related roles and service directions; and implications for further…

Discussion of community electronic networks focuses on the role of public libraries in terms of leadership, local information needs, access to electronic information including the Internet, education and training, and server hosts. A guide to resources on the World Wide Web is also included. (LRW)

Discusses current technology for electronic publishing, including various options in desktop-based, television-based, and portable platforms, and describes the capabilities of CD-I (compact disk-interactive). Future directions for electronic publishing in the areas of networking, potential for creativity in producing multimedia versions of titles,…

Discussion of access to the Internet focuses on access by public libraries. Topics addressed include the role of the public library; computer and information networks; the National Information Infrastructure; the NREN (National Research and Education Network); the telecommunications industry; federal legislation; costs; file transfer protocol; and…

Discusses the potential for linking large metropolitan public libraries to international interlibrary loan networks. Issues involved in international networking, including funding, standards, network connectivity, and protectionism, are discussed. Examples of libraries capable of participating and brief descriptions of their collections are given.…

Summarizes findings of a graduate school study on community networks (electronic townhalls) and their involvement with local public libraries. Representatives of 24 networks participated, answering telephone queries on network services, users, goals, funding, governance, technical design, social benefits, government information provision,…

Addresses the issue of student access to inappropriate materials on the Internet. Topics discussed include school library policies; the role of parents; public library concerns; access to information; and a sample technical code of conduct for high schools. (seven references) (LRW)

Describes a project that assessed the impact of connecting rural public libraries to the Internet and the effect on librarians, local communities, and the larger Internet community. The evaluation approach, factors critical to project success, conclusions about public libraries and the Internet, and comments on the future of networked public…

Defines the concept of the virtual library, reviews factors in its inception, indicates prerequisites for its success, and explores the implications of the concept for librarianship, with an emphasis on the school library media center. (49 references) (KRN)

The Kansas Library Network Board (KLNB) appointed a Distance Learning Committee to investigate the possibilities for more effective cooperative arrangements between institutions sponsoring distance learning classes and local libraries. This document contains two sets of recommendations to the KLNB. The first set describes how the KLNB might assist…

Focusing on the major educational initiatives of our times--the National Education Goals outlined and endorsed in 1990 by the nation's governors, and President Bush's America 2000 strategy--this report reviews and summarizes information about the role of libraries in many different educational efforts designed to meet the national goals. It is…

This digest highlights the findings of an extensive review and analysis of the literature related to the role of libraries in education. The review was undertaken to demonstrate the critical role libraries can play in meeting the six National Education Goals adopted in 1990 by the President and the governors of the United States. The goals, which…