Reports on a postconference workshop on virtual libraries that was presented at the third annual Computers in Libraries Canada Conference. Highlights include networks; technological change; administrative issues, including organizational structure, staff training, strategic planning, and financial resources; a case study of the University of…

Discusses the acquisition of library materials in electronic formats, particularly CD-ROMs and machine-readable data files (MRDFs) in academic libraries, and considers possible problems that can result related to collection development policies. Cooperation in the selection process between subject collectors and technical experts is suggested.…

Reviews research published between 1988 and 1991 in technical services in the areas of acquisitions, including automation, costs, and vendor analysis; authority control; automation; cataloging, including costs and time analysis, rules and theory, expert systems, online catalogs, and shared cataloging; classification; preservation; serials; subject…

Describes the Mercury Electronic Library, a project at Carnegie Mellon University that involved development of software for an electronic library, implementation of the software by the university libraries, and stimulation of the market for electronic publishing. The library information system interface and databases and the computing system…

Analyzes research cited in "Library Literature" during the past year that concerns school libraries. Topics examined include censorship issues; information literacy and library instruction; reading; the use of technology, especially microcomputers; and comprehensive state surveys. (14 references) (LRW)

Describes the development at Indiana State University of a SuperCatalog, a computerized library catalog that provides access to both library holdings and locally loaded commercial databases, including ERIC and Wilson indexes. Software is discussed; the impact on staff, users, interlibrary loan, and library instruction is examined; and future…

Describes hardware, software, and peripherals that were installed to network a stand-alone CD-ROM workstation in the library of a small K-12 school with similar computers in the computer laboratory. Experiences with two CD-ROM products--a full-text database of social science articles and an electronic version of World Book Encyclopedia--are…

Describes methodology for analyzing MARC (machine-readable cataloging) records of highly circulating titles to document common characteristics for collection development purposes. Application of the methodology in a university library is discussed, and data are presented on commonality of subject heading, author, language, and imprint date for…

Examines three topics related to electronic publishing and distribution: the national context, including NREN (National Education and Research Network); issues of market readiness, funding, delivery standards, access software, intellectual property concerns, and pricing and licensing models that must be resolved; and descriptions of seven services…

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 to generate automated classroom resources from the Internet. Topics covered include viewing animated satellite weather images using file transfer protocol (FTP); sources of images on the Internet; shareware available for viewing images; software for automating image retrieval; procedures for animating satellite images; and storing…

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.…

Discusses bookmobile service as it exists today and projects its future for the 1990s based on a survey of public libraries identified through the Adult Services in the Eighties (ASE) project. Topics discussed include costs; circulation figures; service areas, including rural communities; staff training and public services; collections;…

Describes results of a research study that used work sampling techniques to compare time spent by 9 high school library media specialists using automated circulation systems with 9 high school media specialists using nonautomated circulation systems in 14 task categories. Two responses to the research study are included. (26 references) (LRW)

Relates the concept of total quality management to serving information users through remote access technology. The three key factors of personnel, user communication, and equipment support, as well as other areas of concern, are considered. (EAM)