The idea of Digital Libraries emerged in the early 1990s from a vision of a "library of the future", without walls and open 24 hours a day. These digital libraries would leverage the substantial investments of federal funding in the Internet and advanced computing for the benefit of the entire population. The world's knowledge would be a key press…

Results of a recent study of potential demand for electronic information transfer services in 1970-1990 are presented. Projections are made for new services such as electronic mail, remote library browsing, checkless society transactions, video telephone and others, as well as conventional services such as telephone, telegraph and network program…

Some crucial aspects of international scientific information systems whose establishment will be urgently required in the near future are explored. The exploration is concerned with futuristic aspects of the coming thirty-two years of the present century. The main sections of this report cover: (1) descriptions of the cybernetic era; (2) aspects…

Discussion of information and misinformation about integrated online library systems highlights capabilities and functions that should be offered by an integrated system, practicalities of purchasing a system, visions versus reality, library versus information automation, origins of integrated online systems in the 1960s and 1970s, and future…

Five information company executives present an overview of the impact of technological innovation upon the library and its services and offer their predictions for libraries in 1985. (RAA)

Presents a summary of the status of library automation in the late 1970s including the major problems facing libraries as they move to computer-based systems. The developments of the 1980s are also discussed. (Author/MBR)

The author examines the impact of "high-tech" industries on labor markets, the division of labor and the organization of work, and the policy options open to societies for dealing with the effects. (CT)

Characteristics and advantages of database machines are summarized and their applications to library functions are described. The ability to attach multiple hosts to the same database and flexibility in choosing operating and database management systems for different functions without loss of access to common database are noted. (EJS)

Examines six steps inherent to development of in-house automated library system: (1) problem definition, (2) requirement specifications, (3) analysis of alternatives and solutions, (4, 5) design and implementation of hardware and software, and (6) evaluation. Practical method for comparing and weighting options is illustrated and explained. A…

Describes opportunities and limitations inherent in office technology advances, focusing on media conversions and equipment compatibility. Differing needs of convenience users and dedicated users, document preparers, and archivists are enumerated. Systems emerging for use within organizations are compared to systems for use in communication…

Comments on significant steps that have contributed to current level of bibliographic control of social science machine-readable data files (MRDF). Problems to be considered before MRDF can be integrated into existing bibliographic utilities are outlined. Twenty references and MARC format, catalog entry, and data abstract for an MRDF are appended.…

Discussion of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) that supports operational and managerial planning of automation projects covers challenges of library automation, evolution and scope of SDLC, lack of dissemination of SDLC literature within library and information science community, and corrective measures to meet library automation demands.…

Discussion of issues arising from relations between libraries and vendors of computer systems highlights factors influencing how vendors respond to system problems, how libraries could help themselves, purchasing non-existent systems, integrated system dream, and advice on ameliorating problems once an off-the-shelf software system has been…

Discusses planning for the implementation of a high technology system which includes plans for how it will be phased out and an orderly transition made to its successor. System life expectations, user pressures, software modifications, commercial vendors, integrated systems, eroding economies, and replacement planning are highlighted. (EJS)

Outlines expected changes in information-handling technology and related activities. (PF)