Discussion of appropriate technology for libraries in South Africa focuses on the use of electronic bulletin boards. Topics addressed include information technology in South African libraries; local library networking; components of an electronic bulletin board; bulletin boards, telephones, and electronic mail; possible uses for a bulletin board;…

Examines the advent of the Internet and its impact on K-12 education and librarianship. The use of the Internet as a resource for teaching and research and as a virtual classroom, the reasons for investing in the United States and Canadian national supernetworks, and the implications of the supernetworks for education and librarianship are…

Describes the development of a model for future national and international digital libraries. Four aspects of the model are presented: (1) nine principles underlying constructing electronic archives; (2) a study of potential user needs; (3) the design and evaluation of the user interface; and (4) objects and document type definition development.…

Examines moral, legal, and professional arguments for the protection of a library patron's privacy; gives examples of confidentiality challenges; and concludes that librarians should lobby for legal recognition of librarian/patron privilege of confidentiality. Computer technology and privacy are discussed, and the American Library Association…

Future dental practice is seen to include not only the electronic dental record (EDR) but a fully electronic clinical dental documentation package, computer-assisted diagnostic support, and digital imaging. The EDR's development since the 1970s is reviewed. Specific suggestions are made concerning hardware, software, administration, and practical…

Discusses the need for computer literacy for library staff. Computer applications in libraries and information centers are described; problems concerning computerization in libraries are discussed, including computer anxiety, differences in information retrieval methodologies, and user friendliness; and solutions to these problems are suggested,…

Discussion of the adoption of new technologies in libraries throughout history focuses on two innovations in particular: the card catalog and the typewriter. Topics discussed include the replacement of one technology by another; budget considerations; requirements and attitudes of the labor force; reactions of library users; and attitudes of…

Describes a state library's approach to automating federal document processing using commercially available shipping list information software as input data. A package that incorporates elements of a customized version of a dBASE application developed by another library, the Bernan DECK Shelf List Service, and Data Magician by Folland Software is…

Discusses the use of firewalls for library intranets, highlighting the move from mainframes to PCs, security issues and firewall architecture, and operating systems. Provides a glossary of basic networking terms and a bibliography of suggested reading. (PEN)

Argues for a reevaluation of the old-maid stereotype that will allow professionals in the library and information science (LIS) field to embrace digital technology while remaining mindful of their distinctiveness and recognizing the stereotype as an important part of their collective identity and professional history. (Contains 55 references.)…

Describes a system that automatically classifies e-mail messages in the HUMANIST electronic discussion group into one of four classes: question, response, announcement, or administrative. The system's ability to accurately classify a message was compared against manually assigned codes. Results suggested that there was a statistical agreement in…

Describes how technology changes the nature of the school media specialist's job, and discusses staff and equipment sources of techno-stress. Notes the importance of anticipating problem areas and planning to deal with them in advance. Presents strategies for minimizing the amount of frustration/stress associated with technology. (AEF)

Explores library consortia in the United States with particular focus on academic libraries. Highlights include the history of early consortia; economic issues, including sharing resources and cost savings; types of consortia, including regional, statewide, and those with a focus on automation; and groups of consortia. (Author/LRW)

Discusses problems that libraries are encountering with technological advancements in information technology, resulting in changes in the ways people interact with data and information. Topics include canceling print materials to save money and relying on electronic resources; quality and quantity of online material; user fees; inappropriate…

Considers the impact that the computer revolution has had on college and university libraries. Discusses the historical background of changes that resulted from the invention of the printing press; the development of national languages; knowledge acquisition; the historical role of religion; content control of libraries; and changes in students.…