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)

Discusses the role of the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) in the development of the electronic information industry in Europe. Activities aimed at libraries are described; the IMPACT program for developing the market for information services is explained; and problems of multilingualism are addressed. (LRW)

Proposes ways in which computerized data available in public libraries can be organized and used for management decision making. Experiences in the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library system and the Monroe County (Indiana) Public Library system are described, and use of the data for preparing materials acquisition budgets is discussed. (36…

Outlines the application of information technology in 13 of Thailand's academic libraries. Problems of implementation, budgets, specific applications and benefits, and future plans are discussed. (EA)

Describes the structure of the interlibrary loan system in the United Kingdom and suggests implications for American libraries. The British Library Document Supply Centre (DSC) is explained; costs to borrowers and lenders are discussed; and strategic planning involving changing technology, politics, and economics is considered. (24 references)…

Discusses library planning that is needed when changing from one computer system to another. Topics discussed include change theory; the need for communication between library administration and staff and between the library and its users; phased implementation; training for library staff and for users; and the need for documentation. (seven…

These five articles are transcripts from a seminar sponsored by OCLC and the Research Libraries Group (RLG) that discussed returning bibliographic data from local systems to the bibliographic utilities. Highlights include problems facing academic research libraries; present and future methodologies of data exchange; workflow concerns; and policy…

Considers changes that technology could make in libraries in the future. Highlights include digital formats; centralization of libraries and library services; the role of librarians; competition between libraries and for-profit information vendors; the publication process; the integrity of information in electronic format; costs; and access to…

Summarizes 16 research reports related to school library media that were located through "Library Literature." Information in the summaries includes purpose of the study, the population that was studied, the methodology used in conducting the study and analyzing the data, and findings. Prominent topics include collections, censorship,…

Reviews the history of library education in Russia and examines current practices in the education of librarians and library technicians. Various levels of library education are explained, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and on-the-job training; instruction in library automation is described; and current problems in library education are…

Describes Gopher, a microcomputer-based software program that helps users navigate through the Internet using a hierarchical menu system to locate information. The idea of client servers is discussed; benefits for libraries are described; and the use of Gopher as the basis for a campuswide information system is explained. (LRW)

Describes a six-month retraining program developed for Israel's Russian-speaking immigrant librarians and information specialists that includes Hebrew language, Jewish and Israeli history, English, and library automation. Differences from the Soviet library system are discussed, including censorship and public libraries, and characteristics of the…

Discussion of synthesized speech and voice recognition focuses on a forum that addressed the potential for speech technologies in libraries. Topics discussed by three contributors include possible library applications in technical processing, book receipt, circulation control, and database access; use by disabled and illiterate users; and problems…

Describes job responsibilities of assistant/associate library directors. Changes affecting libraries as a result of automation and their impact on management are discussed, and two studies of public and academic libraries that examined ratings of managerial skills and competencies by directors and assistant directors are reviewed. (nine…