Examines Boisot's model of information processes and information economics based on information space in three dimensions (I-space). I-space is used as a framework to explain the success of computer-based tools in information scanning and dissemination, and their failure to support problem areas in the process of knowledge creation, especially…

Examines the different concepts and orientations of the two major approaches to the role of metadata in the digital library (library science-oriented bibliographic control and computer science-oriented data management), and proposes an integrated concept of metadata to facilitate the merging of these two approaches. Discusses ongoing efforts to…

Describes the Michigan Electronic Library (MEL), the largest evaluated and organized Web-based library of Internet resources, that was designed to provide a library of electronic information resources selected by librarians. MEL's partnership is explained, the collection is described, and future developments are considered. (LRW)

Discussion of formatting and disseminating information in the developing world focuses on efforts of Ethiopia's Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA), a membership-driven research network. Describes plans to distribute a digital CD-ROM library that incorporates a user-friendly interface and provides…

Discussion of the preservation of digital information focuses on the changing roles of stakeholders; standards; and collaboration between researchers, publishers, and libraries. Describes various projects at Cornell University in the areas of science and mathematics that are involved with digital preservation, particularly for electronic journals.…

Discusses electronic reference in libraries and how it has changed over the years with changes in computer technology. Explains technical background and history as well as library and reference impact for three stages in the development of electronic reference: the need for search intermediaries, the emergence of CD-ROMs, and user access to…

Discusses library Web sites and explains some of the benefits when libraries make their sites into reference portals, linking them to other useful Web sites. Topics include print versus Web information sources; limitations of search engines; what Web sites to include, including criteria for inclusions; and organizing the sites. (LRW)

At Sequoyah Research Center, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, college students receive credit for participating in the Native Writers Digital Text Project. The project identifies, collects, edits, and archives previously unknown or unavailable works by Native writers and constructs bibliographic guides to Native writing and publishing. A web…

This study applied evaluation techniques to "Cesar" (a hypermedia learning environment for deaf children based on electronic stories) and "Hyper-Book" (an electronic book based on the paper book metaphor and designed to be part of an electronic library). It also identifies steps that can be used in evaluating electronic books…

Explains the EEVL (Edinburgh Engineering Virtual Library) which has developed a free gateway to Internet resources in engineering as part of the United Kingdom's Electronic Libraries Programme. Highlights include project development, promotion of the service, evaluation, and plans for future developments. (Author/LRW)

Document management (DM) systems capture, store, index, retrieve, route, distribute, and archive information in organizations. Discusses "passive" electronic libraries and "active" systems; characteristics of effective systems; implementing a system; fitting a new system to an existing infrastructure; budgets; system…

This research examines the changes that electronic information technologies have caused on power within organizations, particularly related to library automation, academic libraries, and their positions on college campuses. Based on the strategic contingencies theory of intraorganizational power, a model of organizational power is developed and…

Focuses on the influence of computers and communications technology on the scholarly process. Discusses examples of this influence on all aspects of scholarship, from formulating ideas and gathering data to collaborating and publishing results. (EV)

Presents ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) guidelines for library instruction and services for distance education. Highlights include the lack of service issues addressed in digital library discussions; distance students' characteristics; the library's role; and remote service to distance users. (Author/LRW)

Focuses on information and written communications throughout American history. Discusses writing in several media, beginning in the mid 1400s; development of the scholarly journal in the 1600s; growth of academic libraries and the transformation of American scholarship; early views of higher education and libraries; the mission and developing…