The author, a digital access architect in the information systems department of the Orange County Library System in Florida, was given the challenge of creating a library mobile app around the 2009 holiday season. At that time, Sheri Chambers, digital content manager in the information systems department, and Debbie Moss, assistant director of the…

When product pipeline first covered Twitter back in July 2007, the tool was so novel that only a very few libraries and librarians were experimenting with it. Now, over two years later, Twitter has gone mainstream, thanks to promotion by high-profile stars. From its early beginnings as a microblogging application, Twitter morphed into a…

Included in these proceedings are edited versions of presentations given at a conference which was designed to provide an overview of some of the major telecommunication developments likely to impact libraries and information centers in the future. Technologies reviewed include slow-scan television, teleconferencing, and videodisc. Other papers…

Many libraries are or soon will be offering Wi-Fi, also known as wireless networks. The largest perceived barriers to providing this service are concerns about security. The prime rule when deploying Wi-Fi is segregation, having a clear separation between a public wireless network and the rest of the library?s network. A number of devices can be…

The second draft of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) report proposes a national program to offer the most information service to the greatest number of people. Current status and problems in all kinds of libraries are reviewed, including: distribution of resources; uneven access to information; the influence of…

Outlines the essential details of a computer network protocol at the application level for interchanging information between host computers in the community of libraries, book publishers, and bibliographic service centers. Control header structure is detailed, and a skeleton outline is given for 20 header field types and 15 control message types.…

Discussion of increased automation in the book trade and in library acquisitions systems, which will lead to a new type of bookseller-library interface and relationship, notes electronic equipment, library requirements, book-trade response, and design of interactive systems. Thirteen references are provided. (EJS)

The National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) presents its goals and plans for a national program of library and information services with the intention of satisfying the nation's information needs to the greatest extent possible. The basic needs and rationale for a national program are stated, and a survey is made of the…

Discussion of the proposed National Information Infrastructure (NII) focuses on the need for the NII to assist educational institutions, libraries, governments, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out their responsibilities for public access to information. New communications technologies are discussed; the role of librarians is examined; and…

This outline of new technological developments and their applications in the library and information world considers innovations in three areas: automation, telecommunications, and the publishing industry. There is mention of the growth of online systems, minicomputers, microcomputers, and word processing; the falling costs of automation; the…

Background information about libraries in Washington State, and a series of recommendations for consideration by the legislature and the libraries of the State are outlined in this report. The Appendices include: (1) Brief Historical Review and Statement of Objectives, (2) Public Libraries of Washington by Size of Population Served in 1969, (3)…

Assesses the effect of the communications technology revolution on library and information specialists and the environment for the delivery of library services. Four functions affecting the library and information environment--management, communications, instruction, and publication--are noted. (EJS)

Describes the Living Library, an idea to create a network of international cultural parks in different cities of the world using new communications technologies on-line in a garden setting, bringing the humanities, sciences, and social sciences to life through plants, visual and performed artworks, lectures, and computer and on-line satellite…

This report examines the issues related to the formation of an integrated National Information Infrastructure (NII) from the perspectives of the education and research communities. The report presents a vision of the future for the NII based on an Open Data Network (ODN). The report begins by examining the background and the visions for the future…

This report shows how Universal Service Fund support for schools and libraries is used by school districts and libraries around the country. Highlighted are approximately 190 success stories of program participants that have come to rely on the USF to expand educational opportunities for students through better use of telecommunications technology…