Discusses the need for community colleges to assess their participation in automated library networking systems (ALNs). Presents results of questionnaires sent to 253 community college learning resource center directors to determine their use of ALNs. Reviews benefits of automation and ALN activities, planning and communications, institution size,…

Gives an historical explanation of Hawaii's Telecommunications and Information Act of 1988. Examines Hawaii's economic development and the formation of an information industry infrastructure using the University of Hawaii's library resources and networks of libraries throughout the state to provide statewide access to information. A time line…

Summarizes recommendations from the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services which examined directions that technology must take regarding the library/media information fields (emphasizing literacy, productivity, and democracy). The paper makes recommendations about services, access, governance, networking, training,…

Describes the technical, political, economic, and cultural environments of library automation. A review is then presented of five books covering wide-ranging library automation themes, including practical experiences; planning second-generation library systems; software, systems, and services; new roles for librarians; and the national network…

Describes how a public library consortium jettisoned the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and used library staff, with some assistance from consultants, to evaluate new automation systems based on software demonstrations and Requests for Quotations (RFQ). The RFQ and RFP processes are compared. A sidebar article describes the financing plan.…

Describes various types of joint-use, multitype libraries. Considers similarities and differences between community college libraries and libraries in other settings. Describes examples of joint libraries operated by community colleges with universities, high schools, and public libraries in Florida. Discusses the future and other examples of…

Discussion of libraries in Russia focuses on science and medical libraries. Topics addressed include historical background; library science education; a consortium formed to build national databases and disseminate information; producers of scientific and medical information; international cooperation; interlibrary loans; the Russian Medical…

Describes a plan that has been developed by the Commission of the European Community (CEC) for libraries in Europe. Highlights include machine-readable national bibliographies and union catalogs; retrospective conversion projects; networks; user services and information technology; a pilot project using CD-ROM; and cooperative projects and…

This first of three consecutive articles examines trends for the future that emphasize libraries expanding their role in the community and individuals becoming more involved. Discusses the library as the community center for civic renewal, library as navigator, and library as coalition builder. Presents comments from librarians on reasons for and…

Discusses the impact of block scheduling on secondary school library media centers. Topics include the need for more resources to support larger class groups, library networking to meet information needs, planning with teachers, impact on library staff, impact on teachers and students, and the need for flexibility. (LRW)

Explains North Dakota's telecommunications infrastructure which is particularly suited to rural areas and low population communities. Topics include an information network of multitype libraries; distance learning for elementary and secondary education; local library networks; Interactive Video Network; educational telecommunications; public…

Describes the multilibrary network in Rhode Island which provides electronic access to public information. Highlights include the role of the Department of State Library Services; Internet access issues; a network for elementary and secondary schools that provides access to university and public libraries; a higher education library network; a…

Describes how systems librarian-related mailing lists are used by information professionals. Examination of 12 selected mailing lists and their geographic distribution reveals a great gap existing between developing and developed countries, with the United States in the dominant position. Knowledge background, technical limitations, and language…

This manifesto for school libraries that is endorsed by UNESCO, and developed by Gwynneth Evans of the National Library of Canada, discusses the mission of the school library, including access to services and materials; funding legislation and library networks; goals to support the development of literacy; staff; operation and management; and…

Prior to 1997, the University of Oxford in Great Britain had approximately one hundred autonomous libraries with little coordination of services, collection development, or management among them. In that year a new director was hired with the mandate to integrate many of these libraries into one centralized system. Over the past seven years…