People living in neighborhoods where certain social classes are more prevalent will tend to have friends from that class. Even though individuals demonstrated strong preferences for certain kinds of friends, the neighborhood setting affected that choice. Friendships are formed by individual preferences operating within the boundaries of a social…

For traditional educational institutions, the incentives for technological innovation and its efficiencies are very weak, and the incentives to protect the core arrangement are teaching and prevailing organizational structures are very strong. Computers are creating a need for telecommunications services on campus. (MLW)

Views of the executive director of the Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET) on the topic of regional networking are expressed, noting the needs of users of regional networks, cooperative program development among "networkers," state and multistate structures, and the impact of microcomputers, distributed processing, and resource…

This presentation by the president and chief executive officer of OCLC focuses on library automation and networking in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, citing an article by Richard DeGennaro and relating experiences at OCLC in resource sharing and related information services. (EJS)

Examination of factors of library technical processing priority systems (i.e., processing on basis other than randomization) highlights internal factors (priority by chronological sequence, personal choice, format, influence of organizational structure, acquisition type, patron, librarians' judgement); external factors (shared cataloging, Library…

This article explores the unique features of zoo/aquarium libraries--their history, users, staff, collections and services, access, location, budget, networking and cooperation--and discusses problems they have in common with other special libraries. Increased cooperation and communication as major goals for the future are noted. (8 references)…

Reviews social support literature and specific findings on the role of communication in the support process. Argues that uncertainty reduction theory may explain how communication affects an individual's perception that he or she is supported. Includes hypotheses for future research and some central dilemmas of supportive relationships. (PD)

Suggests that facilitation of communication and sharing between libraries and information providers through microcomputer-based information networks creates an unprecedented need to know each other's priorities while addressing the whole network's needs. Systematic planning toward this end must be deliberate and directed, based on shared values…

This report on the microcomputer-to-mainframe link highlights advantages and weaknesses of each system when used independently; technical considerations for link (personal computer emulates a dumb terminal, data transfer, selective data access category, nongeneric links); how librarians can use the link; availability of software; and planning for…

The Learning Exchange Network is explored to show how it (1) takes advantage of the strong points of the previous models for self-directed learners; (2) counters the liabilities of the previous models; (3) serves the smaller populations of semirural areas; and (4) includes an implementation plan. The practicality of the network is discussed. (CT)

Examines the reciprocal relation of community organization and family patterns by participant observation techniques in two isolated fishing communities, similar in ecology and cultural background. Even though work organization in both is small scale, substantial differences in patterns of family life are found. (JAC)

Describes the European Community Environmental Education Network which promoted school contact and interaction between countries. The network's primary phase (1977-1982) involved 29 pilot schools which exchanged environmental education program information for nine to 14 year olds. The second phase (1982-present) involves 12 to 18 year olds.…

Describes the advantages of computerizing a school's office. Computers save time, boost worker productivity, and, in the end, save money. (MD)

Describes library use of Conversion of Serials Project's (CONSER) online national machine-readable database for serials to create online union lists of serials via OCLC's Serial Control Subsystem. Problems in selection of appropriate, accurate, and authenticated records and prospects for the future are discussed. Twenty sources and sample records…

Issued to provide guidance for the resolution of problems inherent in providing and securing good educational software, this statement outlines responsibilities of educators, hardware vendors, and software developers/vendors. Sample policy statements for school districts and community colleges, suggested format for software licenses, and technical…