This paper provides an introduction to the concepts of electronic mail and networks in non-technical language. It defines electronic mail, explains how it works, and describes academic networks that provide electronic mail services, especially BITNET and NSFNET. It explains how university administrators use electronic mail and networks for…

This paper begins with brief background on types of broadcast satellites and satellite programs in Europe. Reception and transmission costs, as well as predicted access to satellite transmissions, are then discussed. Uses of satellites for education and training in countries outside of Europe, particularly the program at the National Technological…

During the mid-nineteenth century, merchants in Cincinnati (Ohio) gained access to the latest telegraphic news through the Merchants' Exchange, which became a vital link in a communications network that served as the nervous system of the nation's economy. The Cincinnati Merchants' Exchange was founded in 1843 by the Young Men's Mercantile Library…

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the history, development, and services of the packet switching network services that currently exist in the United States. The character of packet switching, a computerized method of transmitting data, is used as the basis for tracing the development of the industry itself. Contending that the…

This digest discusses teleconferencing--defined as electronic communication between two or more people at a distance--in terms of three major types: audio, video, and computer. Reasons offered for using teleconferencing include the extension of budget dollars and of educational opportunities, accommodation of a wide variety of classes, and…

The Network Exchange of Urban Services maintains a data bank of social services available in the Delaware Valley. The system includes: a touch tone telephone system for communicating with the computer; a microfilm resource file; and conference telephone capabilities. This greatly facilitates referral of clients to the appropriate agencies. (LS)

A network director is an individual who: is visionary yet practical; possesses understanding of the human animal; has good interpersonal relationships; is committed to the user not the institution; is knowledgeable in regard to the various types of participating institutions; recognizes the network must be built strength on strength; is a skillful…

The first section briefly describes a library-information network of the kind that could exist at the end of this century if the society gave it a priority not often given to knowledge and understanding. The second section suggests that what the present library-information "system" most obviously lacks and most critically needs is the…

The Technological Applications Project (TAP) is based on three hypotheses: 1) there are a lot of instructional systems and materials that no one knows about; 2) at least some of what has been created is of the kind and quality that could be used by someone else; and 3) access to these little known materials is difficult in many cases as mechanisms…

Examines future implications and significant trends in the field of scientific technical information, including (1) decentralized preparation and collection of formalized input bibliographic and/or factual data, (2) centralized world-wide processing of both kinds of data bases, and (3) nationally decentralized output information services, and…

MBIS, an on-line data base which is being developed by the House Information Systems Group, will identify and communicate key federal budget data to Congress and the executive branch, enabling users to take a more responsible look at the budget and providing more meaningful evaluations of agency programs and projects. (Author/MBR)

National data networks now being built or planned will be complemented by international networks, and solutions to the technical problems of compatibility are being sought. The Common Market's Euronet, first to be used for scientific and technical data, will have rates that are independent of distance. (Author/BB)

The structure and development of the Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux are discussed; as well as the journals, books, and services offered. Each institute and bureau comprising the organization collects and disseminates information in a particular branch of agricultural science. (Author/JPF)

Two discussion-oriented computerized conferencing systems, developed at GTE Laboratories of specific user groups are described. (MBR)

Searches of OCLC revealed that 65 percent of a Canadian special library's recent acquisitions had already been cataloged. This percentage compares favorably with similar libraries in the U.S., and suggests that technical information centers and special libraries throughout North America could benefit from OCLC participation. (Author)