Proposes that academic librarians and publishers should view themselves as partners rather than adversaries. Following a discussion of premises, problems, and attitudes related to librarian-publisher cooperation, several areas for joint development are suggested: new products and services; CD-ROM; electronic document delivery; scholarly book…

Summarizes the results of a Special Libraries Association membership survey on technology. Data are reported on types of technology currently in use, parent organizations, members' relationships to technology, purchasing power, staffing, the impact of technology on staff size and services, user satisfaction, job satisfaction, type of institution…

Eight authors discuss five questions related to user searching of online catalogs: What user needs can be met by online assistance? Should assistance be tailored to particular groups? Should there be more than one level of assistance? Do users learn through computer-assisted instruction? and Will increased system friendliness eliminate the need…

Discusses the need to include communication skills as a component of training sessions for library staff who will be serving patrons using online catalogs and databases. Specific points that should be covered in training sessions are identified and training methods are suggested. (eight references) (CLB)

Describes the general characteristics of Washington Electronic Bulletin Board Systems (WEBBS) used within federal agencies to disseminate data and software. Examples of six varieties of WEBBS (electronic mail, public announcement, electronic publishing, data oriented, library oriented, and subscription/membership) are discussed, as well as…

Provides a comparison of four database management programs commonly used in schools: AppleWorks, the DOS 3.3 and ProDOS versions of PFS, and MECC's Data Handler. Topics discussed include information storage, spelling checkers, editing functions, search strategies, graphs, printout formats, library applications, and HyperCard. (LRW)

Argues that the growing use of technology is beginning to erode the free library ethic by blurring distinctions between commercial and not-for-profit information suppliers and fostering competition between and among various suppliers. It is suggested that libraries need to implement new entrepreneurially oriented management structures to cope with…

Describes the events that led to legislation in New Jersey authorizing the establishment of a statewide multitype library network. The discussion covers the two levels of service provided by the network (statewide and regional), specific services available at the regional level, state funding of network services, public response, and plans for…

Describes the development of a machine readable reference information file at the University of California at Los Angeles. The discussion covers factors affecting the database structure, the use of a sophisticated text management system to enter data onto microcomputers, and possible future implementations of the reference information system. (16…

Reviews the development of the Vatican Library from the papacy of Leo III (795-816) to the present. The current status of the library is described, including print and nonprint collections, acquisitions and major bequests, access to the collections, and programs and services offered to scholars. (CLB)

Discusses CD-ROM with an emphasis on aspects that librarians need to know. The topics covered include the technology; installations and cost; advantages and disadvantages for libraries; products of interest to librarians; and selection issues. Other optical storage media are described and sources for further information are provided. (37…

Discusses the need for emerging information technologies to be integrated into the Nigerian academic library environment for the improvement of existing systems and services, and the threat to the role of the academic library if new technologies are not embraced by the year 2000. (15 references) (CLB)

Discusses the need to reassess the objectives of online public access catalogs and how those objectives might be met before costly investments are made in electronic versions of "other data" for online catalogs. Several objectives are outlined and their feasibility in the modern telecommunications environment is examined. (two references) (CLB)

Describes a project at the National Library of Medicine that investigated the development of an expert system to assist catalogers with personal name authority work. Topics include project planning; software and hardware selection; knowledge engineering; and reasons for discontinuing the development of the expert system. (three references) (LRW)

Describes a survey of academic libraries that investigated the cataloging backlog of music materials. Pertinent literature is reviewed; reasons for backlogs are discussed, including large acquisitions and gifts without a corresponding increase in staff to process them; a lack of knowledgeable staff; and the impact of other library automation…