The main function of the library of the future is to provide access to electronic sources stored elsewhere. In order to comply with the users' needs, therefore, flexible license scenarios are necessary. Another future function of the library will be to set up and maintain a personal alerting system and to assist users in organizing their own…

Describes how information professionals at the 1997 SCOUG (Southern California Online User Group) conference created a Virtual Library Corporation of librarians to serve a worldwide, digital clientele. Mission statements were developed which included promoting/developing synergistic structures and systems for universal access, promoting…

Describes a demonstration given by two university librarians to faculty and researchers at the City University of New York on the use of the World Wide Web as a research tool. The demonstration, using the library's newly created home page, focused on virtual libraries that give access primarily to on-line research resources. (MSE)

Discusses five different shifts that characterize the transitional nature of today's libraries and examines the extent to which college students agree in interpreting the term, "library use." Findings suggest that the notion of the library as a "space" is better agreed upon than the notion of the library as a "store" or "service." (Author/AEF)

Presents a case study of the use of legal research digital libraries (LRDLs) in the California Civil and Criminal Courts. Results suggest that points of access to LRDLs influence usage, that there is a strong interplay between home computer use and LRDL use at work, and that legal professionals prefer one-on-one assistance rather than group…

Discusses changes that have taken place within library systems as a consequence of the emergence of new computer-based technologies. Highlights include using electronic documents; electronic libraries; digital projects; educational applications; and a case study of OASIS (Open Access Student Information Service), a document handling system in the…

Presents both positive and negative aspects of using the Internet as a teaching tool. Offers suggestions for overcoming some of the negative aspects. Discusses ways to tailor searches to age level, proper equipment to improve student access, the need for careful planning and observation, and possibilities for instructor training in Internet use.…

Discusses cataloging and indexing for the retrieval of digital items as part of the British Library's Initiatives for Access program. Highlights include standards, digital catalogs, Novel access software that includes fuzzy matching, software choice and development, and future possibilities. (LRW)

Reviews developments related to standards in electronic and networked information. Discusses traditional library and Internet communities, and notes the importance of having a supporting infrastructure in place. Topics include: Z39.50; Z39.56 Serial Item/Contribution Identifier (SICI); Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Protocol; character set standards;…

Discusses digital library development, particularly a national science digital library, and describes the Inquiry Page which focuses on building a constructivist environment using Web resources, collaborative processes, and knowledge that bridges digital libraries with users in K-12 schools, museums, community groups, or other organizations. (LRW)

Explains Teachers' Domain, a digital library being developed for the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) by WGBH, the Boston public television station, which includes an online index of archival resources related to K-12 life sciences supported by customized lesson plans, background essays, discussion questions, and correlations to national…

Examines contributing factors for the organizational usability of state digital libraries through evidence from usage statistics of Internet-based database services available through a state digital library, a statewide-administered library survey, and a Web-based survey of users. Presents an organizational usability model for state digital…

Describes the development of a virtual library of education resources for preservice teachers at a tribal college, the Northwest Indian College, to help increase the number of Native American teachers. Discusses content, including links and pathfinders; graphics and design that are culturally sensitive and appropriate; and communication and…

Describes JSTOR, a non-profit organization that creates, maintains, and provides online access to important scholarly journals. States that the JSTOR archive contains the complete back-runs of 169 journals and is available at more than 1,100 libraries across the world. (NB)

Presents guidelines for identifying, evaluating, and selecting Internet resources based on a conceptual model and organizational framework of a collection development policy formulated at Cornell University's library. Topics include collection development in an electronic library and a taxonomy of Internet resources. (Author/LRW)