Focuses on the design and capabilities of the WLN (Washington Library Network) computer system to provide reference and other public service functions. Specific topics addressed include bibliographic formats for microform and online catalogs, bibliographic standards for reference use, the effects of AACR 2, and the growth of the WLN system.…

Libraries are moving into an era that incorporates improvements of a library's existing databases, embraces the research results of the information-seeking process, and makes fundamental improvements by adding new databases such as WordFocus. These new systems should convert the frustrated user of today's online public access catalog (OPAC) into…

Digital libraries of the future will be shaped by the technologies, standards, and models adopted today. This article examines interoperability of library systems, metadata standards, copyright management, fair use, preservation of digital information, problems resulting from technological advancement, costs, print versus Web resources, and…

Discussion of operational effectiveness in libraries focuses on a modeling approach that was used to compare the effectiveness of a local interlibrary loan system with using a national system, the British Library Document Supply Centre (BLDSC). Cost figures and surveys of five academic libraries are described. (six references) (LRW)

Describes the development of library services at AT&T Bell Labs, which led to the creation of a large variety of services and computerized systems. The discussion covers the effects of divestiture on the present network and plans for future growth. A comprehensive list of the current information product line is provided. (16 references)…

Discusses the need for a medical and health sciences library network system in India to provide access to biomedical materials. The steps involved in network planning, implementation, and evaluation are outlined, and a hierarchical network model for India is proposed. (CLB)

Outlines the Wyoming objectives and methods of implementation within the Intermountain Community Learning Information Service Project, a Kellogg Foundation funded project that links the Land Grant Universities of Wyoming, Utah, Montana and Colorado, the University Libraries, the respective State Libraries, and eight rural public libraries to…

Describes features of the Western Library Network's database, including the database structure, authority control, contents, quality control, and distribution methods. The discussion covers changes in distribution necessitated by increasing telecommunications costs and the development of optical data disk products. (CLB)

Discusses the implementation of the OhioLINK (Ohio Library and Information Network) system, an integrated library system linking 23 public and private academic institutions and the Ohio State Library. Topics include a history of OhioLINK; organizational structure; decision-making procedures; public relations strategies; cooperative circulation;…

This overview of OhioLINK, a library automation project that links 17 academic libraries and the state library in Ohio, describes the planning, governance, mandates, and structure of the network. Implementation of OhioLINK at Miami University is discussed, including selection of a library automation system, representation on OhioLINK committees,…

Describes OhioLINK, a statewide information network that was developed to cost effectively link and enhance the information resources of Ohio's academic institutions. Highlights include cooperation; funding; the governing structure; and sidebars that discuss the results of a survey of statewide networks. (LRW)

Describes the history and development of the algorithm that was used to produce a union list of monographs for ALEPH (Automated Library Expandable Program Hebrew University), Israel's research library network. The literature on merging online records is reviewed, case studies are examined, and problems with matching and merging online…

Discusses the impact of decreases in revenues on the resource-sharing activities of ILLINET Online and the Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization (ILCSO). Strategies for successfully coping with fiscal crises are suggested, including reducing levels of service and initiating user fees for interlibrary loans and faxing photocopied journal…

Provides an overview of the American Library Association (ALA) 1992 annual conference. Highlights include the keynote speech by former President Jimmy Carter; technological issues, including the Z39.50 standard, networking, and legal and ethical concerns; career growth possibilities; ALA council issues, including Israeli censorship and library…

Discussion of online authority control in library catalogs highlights a system for shared authority work among libraries participating in the Illinois statewide online union catalog, ILLINET Online. Topics discussed include the design of the ILLINET Online database; staff training procedures; documentation in the form of manuals; communication;…