Reviews the historical development of online information in libraries, including computers, software, and networks. Highlights include quotes from leaders in the field; the end-user movement; commercial products from vendors; the spread of the Internet and its effects on online companies and searchers; options on the World Wide Web; and future…

Focus among library consortia is shifting from integrated library systems to digital library projects, resource sharing, collective database licensing, multivendors, and document delivery. This article presents a draft of a strategic plan for Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries consortia; it includes discussion of CARL's mission, vision, and…

Discussion of academic library instruction focuses on helping users learn online resources. Topics include science instruction; integrating short, subject-specific online instruction into the classroom; virtual tours; long-term approaches; integrating online modules into undergraduate courses; corporate librarians' efforts; and vendors' Web-based…

Discussion of online databases and their hardware and software requirements, interactive search techniques, and costs focuses on information services of interest to higher education. Bibliographic, full-text, and online conferencing databases are described, menu-driven and command-driven information systems are explained, and modems are discussed.…

Describes a survey of library systems and software vendors that examined the sources, management, and use of authority records in their systems and the functions of an authority control module within an integrated system. Several tables and graphs offer summaries and comparisons of vendors' offerings and capabilities. The questionnaire used is…

Gives 10 essential tips for building children's collections, including using a systematic spending plan; applying circulation figures; making replacement purchases a priority; getting more copies and fewer titles; allocating funds for popular paperbacks; buying paperback fiction; seeking basic skills materials; taking advantage of vendor services;…

Considers the need for staff training in virtual libraries. Highlights include instruction and training, including in-house training, vendor contracts, and self-paced instruction; documentation; current awareness via professional literature, electronic discussions, bibliographies, and conferences; information filtering through selective…

Various approaches to training for online users are described, including training that is available through schools of library and information studies, database producers, consultants, professional associations, and employers. Training methods are discussed, and the trend toward the use of computer-assisted instruction is examined. (55 references)…

Describes the design and development of a prototype expert system called ONLINE-EXPERT that helps users select online databases and vendors that meet users' needs. Search strategies are discussed; knowledge acquisition and knowledge bases are described; and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a decision analysis technique that ranks databases,…

Describes the Hawaii Department of Education's School Library Network Project and its approach to retrospective conversion for more than 200 school library media centers using a combination of 3 methods: in-house, full data entry; in-house, partial data entry; and full vendor contract. It is noted that a combination of these methods provides the…

Discusses issues to consider in selecting a CD-ROM network solution, including throughput (speed of data delivery), security, access, servers, key features, training, jukebox support, documentation, and licenses. Reviews software products offered by Novell, Around Technology, Micro Design, Smart Storage, Microtest, Meridian, CD-Connection,…

Provides an overview of developments in computer-based training (CBT) authoring software and reviews the following products: Macromedia's Authorware, Aimtech's CBT Express, Iprax CourseWorks, Intersystem Concepts' Everest, Aimtech's IconAuthor, Innovus Multimedia, Allen Communication's QuestNet+, and Asymetrix's ToolBook II Instructor. A sidebar…

Examines reasons for hiring contingent employees or outsourcing vendor services in libraries, as well as disadvantages of contingent employees. Considers the issue of exploitation. Explores the extent to which contingent employees are a part of the organizational structure, and discusses effective management for positive outcomes and ways to…

Discusses problems and benefits of the electronic book and challenges in the electronic environment in terms of aggregation, pricing, authentication and authorization, presentation, downloading and printing, intellectual property, continued availability, and reliability and accessibility. Gives examples of commercial book aggregators and…

Argues that the Internet can continue its explosive growth only if it is carefully, constantly, and thoughtfully administered. Discusses the role of ISPs (Internet Service Providers); the need to respond to the market force; making the transition from the federal to the commercial level; funding; the domain name server; security; and challenges to…