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…

"Illinois Libraries" for June, 1975, is devoted to interlibrary cooperation and the multitype library network as exemplified by the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET). The history, geographical coverage, member and affiliate libraries, and the workings of the network at various levels are described. A second section…

This second compilation of library network acronyms and initialisms cites 61 networks throughout the United States. Each annotated entry includes the network's acronym or initials, name, and address. A source of further information is cited in many entries, and an ED number is given for references available through the Educational Resources…

To make scientific, technical, and management information available to the general populace of Wisconsin, the Information Services Division (ISD) of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction undertook a project to establish a one-stop center at the University of Wisconsin that could provide users access to more than a dozen campus libraries.…

A state-wide library network was proposed for Kansas to improve library service throughout the state. A regional system of library service was established in 1965, but services and financial support have not been evenly applied to the total state population. In order to provide library and reference service to even the most isolated residents, a…

The Cooperative Information Network (CIN) was formed in 1972 to respond as totally as possible to the informational needs of individuals, governmental units, and businesses located within Santa Clara County, California. A network of TWX machines links all types of libraries in the county. Libraries joining the system agree to respond as quickly as…

Papers from an institute on the university's role in information networks are presented. Two introductory papers define networks in general and consider reasons for their existence in academic libraries. Five papers describe operational networks: Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), Stanford's BALLOTS system, the Minnesota Interlibrary Teletype…

Explores the feasibility of a centralized, networked reference service in a library setting by comparing traditional reference services at the County of Los Angeles Public Library with a commercial inbound call center. Discusses costs and efficiency when librarians answer questions able to be handled by paraprofessionals. (Author/LRW)

Discusses networked information resources used by reference librarians in research libraries. Highlights include the NREN (National Research and Education Network); the Internet; network architecture; the national information infrastructure; the effect of electronic information on reference desk transactions; the changing nature of research; the…

Highlights data from unobtrusive exploratory study related to referral process of reference questions posed at academic depository libraries. Related literature is reviewed, followed by discussions of assumptions related to referral process, implications of study findings, recommendations to improve quality of referral services, and research…

Describes how the Tulsa City-County Library System built a 22-branch CD-ROM-based network with the emerging thin-client/server technology, and succeeded in providing patrons with the most current research tools and information resources available. Discusses costs; networking options; the Citrix WinFrame system used; equipment and connectivity.…

Reports on an initiative by the Toronto Public Library to create the "Virtual Reference Library" (VRL). Describes the first service to be offered, a Dewey application called "Science Net." Discusses the VRL and its precursor, objectives, basis for its funding, technical aspects, progress to date and future direction. (AEF)

Ohio libraries are committed to development of a reference and information network. Duggan's twelve components are cited as useful in planning. A TWX experiment linking two union catalogs and the State Library is described. In a 172 day period (Feb.-Oct. 1969), 4502 requests (estimated as 44% or less of the current potential volume) entered the…

Describes techniques developed for providing continuing education to individuals solving medical reference requests over a telephone teleconference network linking library personnel in nonurban public libraries, systems libraries, and small hospital libraries. Background, project aims, and teleconferencing techniques, including their advantages,…