Considers future possibilities and needs in libraries, including fewer acquisitions due to rising costs; the demise of older materials; the influence of the nature of access on the direction of scholarly inquiry, i.e., the influence of technology; using electronic resources appropriately; and questioning established routines. (LRW)

Describes results of a survey of librarians conducted using the Internet, regarding their attitudes toward electronic mail and networking. Topics addressed include software; the effect on job descriptions; privacy issues; use in academic libraries; navigation problems; discussion groups; and perceived value. A sidebar discusses network etiquette.…

Discussion of the future possibilities of digital library systems highlights digital projects developed at Tilburg University (Netherlands). Topics addressed include online access to databases; electronic document delivery; agreements between libraries and Elsevier Science publishers to provide journal articles; full text document delivery; and…

Relates the Seminole Community College (Florida) library's experience barcoding a collection of materials and provides practical suggestions on how to implement barcoding in other libraries. Highlights include a barcode plan (smart barcodes and dumb barcodes), worker guidelines, problems encountered, and costs. An annotated bibliography and seven…

Discusses a possible shift to self-service check-out systems for academic library patrons. Provides an annotated bibliography of 51 items that discuss the impact of self-service technology on the quality of service and customer satisfaction in libraries, service sectors, banking, and the vending industry. (LRW)

Discusses a method for organizing and augmenting the data in a complex database to make automatic retrieval possible. Presents an example of the method using a database of information on the nature and use of fungicides. Initial results of trials with potential users suggest that the system can produce relevant responses to queries. (Author/AEF)

Examines current research on the implications of and the potential for two speech technologies: speech synthesis or response, i.e., speech output from a computer; and speech recognition, i.e., speech input to a computer. Human factors research is discussed; library applications are described; and future possibilities are considered. (Contains 148…

Discusses the increased costs of library materials, the need for a new budgeting approach, and the impact of technology. The development of a library materials index that was developed at Ohio State University to provide a consistent source for measuring library materials expenditures against the marketplace is described. (Contains 14 references.)…

Describes an approach to electronic document delivery which has evolved at Tilburg University (Netherlands), leading to the development of a system called Ariadne. Highlights include various generations of electronic document delivery systems; standards, including the work of the Group on Electronic Document Interchange; and a description of the…

This last article in a series which reported results of a software evaluation project done by the Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN) focuses on how to select appropriate software. Topics discussed include price considerations; user needs; and types and quality of information. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Elementary students can help turn the classroom book collection into a well-organized library using the classroom computer. In the process, they get practice in cooperative-learning groups as they work with both electronic and card catalogs. The article explains how to use computers to create an electronic catalog. (SM)

Presents the results of a survey of 18 vendors of PC- and Mac-based multifunction library systems that include either circulation or patron access catalogs. Highlights include software alone or turnkey systems, operating systems, programming language, sales, profitability, and support staff. (LRW)

The Leo Baeck Institute (New York, New York) is creating a database registering the Jewish archival holdings of repositories in Germany. Discussion includes project planning, creating a German-language version of the Library of Congress subject headings, enhancing access to collections, computerization of archival finding aids, types of materials,…

Addresses issues to consider when upgrading library CD-ROM networks for multimedia applications. Topics includes security issues; workstation requirements such as soundboards and monitors; local area network configurations that avoid bottlenecks: Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Ethernet, and Integrated Services Digital Network; server performance…

Discussion of the possible changes in Hong Kong in 1997 when rule passes to the People's Republic of China focuses on the uncertain future of libraries and librarians. Topics discussed include the political climate; the departure of qualified Chinese librarians; and the growth of libraries and computerized systems. (LRW)