The technology of the 21st century has had no shortage of challenges for libraries, but it has also brought opportunities. Operating systems, databases, and application environments that can use cheap off-the-shelf hardware to scale and handle hundreds of millions of transactions were not developed for libraries. However, libraries have taken…

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…

A survey of interlibrary cooperative projects engaging libraries and librarians in the Baltimore - Washington metropolitan area that could be identified during the winter and spring months of 1970-71 are presented. Cooperative projects discussed included: (1) Union Lists such as the "Journal Holdings in the Washington - Baltimore area,"…

A study was conducted in 1982 of interlibrary loan transactions among member libraries of the Dayton-Miami Valley Consortium (DMVC), a multitype library network located in Ohio which includes research, academic, special, and public libraries, in order to: (1) identify individual libraries and groups of libraries which are net lenders and net…

Describes the Kentuckiana Metroversity Linking project, a consortium of academic and public libraries using the Z39.50 information retrieval protocol to provide service to Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana. Topics addressed include the Z39.50 standard, the consultant's role, addressing technical issues, Internet vs. dial-in access,…

Internet Access for Florida's Public Libraries was a pilot project that linked six public libraries to the Internet for twelve months between October 1993 and September 1994. The project sought to collect information and identify issues that would help in devising future plans and policies for network development for libraries. The project…

This paper examines the history, organization, and activities of the Council of Research and Academic Libraries, a multitype library cooperative composed of academic, public and special libraries and located in San Antonio, Texas. The consortium's history is traced from the events preceding and leading to its founding in 1966 to the present time,…

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…

Broward Community College South and North Campus Libraries have successfully become partners with the Broward County Library System. Commencing in the early 1980s, the joint-use facilities were pioneers and are now models for other institutions across the state and nation that are planning similar projects. The fear of leaders involved with the…

This report on the work of the Library Committee of the Capitol Consortium for Continuing Higher Education, one of six regional Consortia in Virginia, focuses on cooperative projects, including a proposal for a Periodicals in Richmond Area Libraries List. The proposed list, which is judged essential for resource sharing and for continuing…

This report describes the development of the Forest Trail Library Consortium (FTLC), a network of academic, public, and school libraries in Texas. The growth of FTLC from 4 charter members to its current 16 members is traced, including details about goals and funding. The role of special interest groups (SIGs) is examined, and the goals and…

Explains the development of library networks in Florida and the role of the state library. Topics include regional multitype library consortia; a statewide bibliographic database; interlibrary loan; Internet access in public libraries; government information, including remote public access; automation projects; telecommunications; and free-nets.…

This final report describes the plan developed by the Northern Illinois Learning Resources Cooperative, a consortium of 44 community colleges and other academic institutions, which was awarded a Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) Title III planning grant to research the requirements for a statewide electronic network that would provide…

The Wyoming Academic Libraries Resource Project was initiated to improve cooperation and resource sharing by developing an interconnected information access and delivery system among Wyoming's academic libraries and the State Library. The goal was to formalize communication, cooperation, and resource sharing by developing an Ariel document…

A collection of eight articles discusses resource sharing in a variety of settings. Highlights include: community networks, document delivery in library consortia, Internet access for schools, automation and resource sharing at community college libraries, lending of special collections materials, cooperative rural library services, and web sites…