This book showcases some of the best digital library practices from organizations in the Asia Pacific. Particular emphasis has been placed on the design, use and usability of digital libraries. Not only are digital libraries examined, but related technologies, the management of knowledge in digital libraries, and the associated usability and…

The widespread implementation of search protocols, primarily Z39.50, in combination with the spread of the World Wide Web makes possible a high degree of integration and standardization of search services. This paper describes a project which seeks to combine in a seamless fashion the searching of periodical indexes and library OPACs with document…

This statistical report on Michigan's libraries presents data provided by academic libraries, public libraries, public library cooperatives, and those public libraries that that serve as regional or subregional outlets to provide services for blind and physically handicapped patrons. For academic libraries, data are compiled from the 1998 academic…

The National Library in Slovenia was fully authorized to develop on the national level the library network made up of all types of libraries. To fulfill the tasks, a special advisory center/service was founded to perform advising and developing tasks, as well as supervisory tasks. In the last decade, a significant change of its role has come…

Describes Pica, an organization in the Netherlands which evolved from the Project for Integrated Catalogue Automation that includes the National Library and all university libraries. Topics include the organizational structure, the shared online cataloging system, interlibrary loan, library networks and database access, and electronic document…

Describes two phases of the automation of library and information services in mainland China. From 1974-86, much effort was concentrated on developing computer systems, databases, online retrieval, and networking. From 1986 to the present, practical progress became possible largely because of CD-ROM technology; and large scale networking for…

Discussion of scholarly communication focuses on the prospects for structural reform based on a loosely coupled system instead of the often-assumed interdependent system. Topics addressed include libraries and academic institutions; library networks; scholars and journals; the role of university presses; price discrimination; informal information…

Describes the Nassau School Library System and the role it plays in enabling librarians at 328 member libraries in Nassau County, New York, to become instructional leaders and key members of technology and curriculum planning teams. Highlights include how the change process was started, examples of practical accomplishments, promotion of library…

Examines influences on Israelis' reading habits during the past two decades, including the increase in the educational level, the assimilation of immigrants, the emergence of television and video, and the establishment of a network of public libraries. Reading habits of the school-age population and of Israel's Arab minority are also surveyed. (28…

Presents results of an evaluation of C.D. Cat, a CD-ROM union catalog developed by the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania consortium. Outcomes are reported in the areas of bibliographic quality, user evaluation, public relations strategies, bibliographic instruction, and guidelines for continuing operations. Recommendations are…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 103 information sources dealing with library networking activity. Highlights include improving access through interlibrary loans and document delivery; planning and financing; the history and the future of networks; special libraries; international development; cooperative collection development; and…

Discusses the process of creating bibliographic and cataloging standards, after the implementation of the VTLS (Virginia Tech Library System) integrated library system, in major Polish academic libraries. Examines the adoption of the USMARC bibliographic data exchange format; authority control; subject cataloging; topical and name heading…

Discusses the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and the changing Asia Pacific library scene under the broad headings of the three phases of technology innovation. Highlights include WorldCat and the OCLC shared cataloging system; resource sharing and interlibrary loan; enriching OCLC online catalog with Asian collections; and future outlooks.…

Explores the cases of two states, Louisiana and Ohio, which found budget problems to be the occasion for concerted statewide efforts to improve academic library services. Both states ultimately established statewide multipurpose resource-sharing academic library consortia, supported by electronic library networks, as the solutions to their very…

Discusses how the resources of public libraries are now available to distant learners through telecommunication services. Highlights increases in library Web access, revitalizations of libraries, and increases in library use. Summaries key items in one university-public library cooperative agreement. (AEF)