Details the design, financial support, organizational structure, and evolution of a program to facilitate the automation of small public libraries in Massachusetts and to promote resource sharing among those libraries. A sidebar by Governor Dukakis expresses his views on the role and importance of libraries. (MES)

Provides an overview of the development of cooperative library automation and connectivity in Idaho, including telecommunications capacity, library networks, the Internet, and the role of the state library. Information on six shared automation systems in Idaho is included. (LRW)

Reports the methodology and results of a study which explored the potential of three approaches to sampling the Australian Bibliographic Network (ABN) database files for determining collection overlap among Australian libraries. (Author/CLB)

This paper discusses the services offered by OhioLINK, a consortia providing a variety of services to a statewide user population of college and university libraries, focusing on the impact of these services on traditional interlibrary loan. The first section describes patron-initiated book requesting. The second section addresses the Electronic…

Describes an automated interlibrary loan request routing and referral system made available to U.S. biomedical libraries by the National Library of Medicine. The description covers the databases used and the systems modules that support various functions. The current status of the system and possible future developments are discussed. (six…

As interlibrary cooperation has proliferated in the last several decades, multitype library organizations and systems have emerged as important forces in librarianship. The need for thoughtful and organized strategic planning is an important cornerstone for the success of organizations of all sizes. Part of a project by the Interlibrary…

This report details the findings of the Florida Postsecondary Education Planning Commission in its evaluation of the Florida Center for Library Automation (FCLA), library automation in Florida, and networking and resource sharing among the state's libraries. An introductory chapter defines terms and outlines data gathering activities, while the…

Provides an overview of information sources concerning the development of library and information science, and the movement toward nationwide library cooperation and resource sharing in Yugoslavia. A brief listing of booklets published in English by Yugoslavian publishers is included. (CLB)

Explores the impact of networks and shared library resources on the library planning process. Environmental scanning techniques, the need for cooperative planning, and the formulation of strategies to achieve networking goals are discussed. (CLB)

Describes a long range program for library development in Illinois utilizing Library Services and Construction Act funds. For each area of development, the discussion covers the identification of needs, activities to meet needs, and criteria for funding. Policies and procedures for funding applications are also reviewed. (CLB)

Examines the impact of electronic communications systems on library networking, using such examples as interlibrary loans and union catalogs to illustrate the effects of telecommunications on library services. The need for strict adherence to library standards in order to ensure continued library cooperation is discussed. (CLB)

Discusses the history of Indian libraries established on small Southern California reservations. Relates both challenges and opportunities facing tribal populations and governments (as well as the San Diego County Library System) as they developed collaborative library relationships with the American macro- culture and established their place as…

States that several states are establishing networks for resource sharing. Florida offers these resources through the Florida Distance Learning Library Initiative, Wisconsin has BadgerLink and WISCAT, TexShare provides library resource sharing in Texas, and Louisiana has LOUIS and LLN. These are some of the states successfully demonstrating…

Undertaken at the request of the Ad Hoc Statewide Automation Committee, this report provides a common understanding for Maine librarians of current library networking and how it might apply to Maine. The current status of Maine libraries and their cooperative and automation activities is summarized; resource-sharing in other states is examined;…

Reviews the role of library networks in improved access to resources, increased productivity, and cost effectiveness. The impact of electronic information on these functions is discussed, and strategies for effectively networking electronic information are presented. (1 reference) (CLB)