Discusses the role of advanced technology in developing new library systems and facilities. Considers the impact of computers on acquisition, reproduction, and availability of material in both general-use libraries and special research facilities, particularly in terms of cost. (JMF)

Discusses the availability of full-text periodical archives on the World Wide Web. Highlights include digitized photographs and other images, in addition to text, costs, the use of search engines, and a list of Web sites. (LRW)

Seventeen libraries of the schools and colleges of optometry in the United States are described, noting their founding dates, staffing (professional librarians, computer specialists and support staff, hourly/student staff), collections, Web site addresses, changing uses of technology, and special features. (MSE)

The role of libraries within the virtual university is unclear, and the danger exists that students will be expected to rely solely on the Internet. This article argues that librarians must reinvent the library and their role as information providers. Examines virtual universities in Australia and North America and the roles of librarians and…

From an organizational approach to virtual or digital libraries (V/DL), this study places V/DL in the context of the academic library, focusing on relevant opinions of library heads. Findings suggest that the library heads typically understand V/DL as digital materials, are mainly supportive of V/DL understood in this way, and demonstrate the…

The collection and services of the Alexandria Digital Library (ADL) at the University of California Santa Barbara focus on geospatial information sources with links to geographic locations. Evaluation studies conducted within the ADL project are described as well as what was learned about user characteristics and reactions to ADL. (Author/AEF)

Oral histories of retired Australian librarians show the sexual division of libraries from pre-1950s to the 1980s. Discussion includes the appeal of on-the-job training; public and private roles of women; the marriage bar; discrimination; lack of skill recognition; wage inequities; feminist resistance; sexual harassment; unions; and electronic…

These three reports discuss international library organization issues, including awards and grants, digital technology, and membership; and Canadian library issues, including federal information policy issues, library services, projected shortage of librarians, mergers, digital divide, and a history of the National Library of Canada. (LRW)

Provides an overview of the development of electronic resources over the past three decades, discussing key features, disadvantages, and benefits of traditional online databases and CD-ROM and Web-based resources. Considers the decision to shift collections and resources toward purely digital formats, ownership of content, licensing, and user…

Provides an overview of the British Library's Initiatives for Access program which uses digital imaging. Highlights include digitization of microfilm, the electronic "Beowulf", electronic photographic viewing system, computer software that uses neural networks and fuzzy matching to provide links to search terms, and international…

Discusses the use of the Z39.50 standard for information retrieval in the British Library's efforts toward networked information retrieval and online public access catalogs in cooperation with the European Union and other countries. OSI (open systems interconnection) and project ONE (a collaborative project in the European Union) are explained.…

Offers an abundance of World Wide Web resources for K-12 educators. Briefly describes interesting web sites, including the "K-12 History on the Internet Resource Guide" and sites by National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institute, and Ben and Jerry's. Discusses personal web pages including the author's own. (MJP)

Includes four articles that address issues related to digital libraries. Highlights include a framework for evaluating digital library services, particularly academic research libraries; interdisciplinary approaches to education about digital libraries that includes library and information science and computing; digital rights management; and the…

Reports on work from two studies in progress related to assessing digital library reference services and developing standards that support such services. Suggests that two types of standards-utilization and technical-should be considered together in the costing, statistics, and measures for digital reference services. (Author/AEF)

Describes the ARTEMIS Digital Library (ADL), created by researchers and software designers from the fields of education, computer science, and library and information science to help middle and high school students access science-related materials. Explains the three components, including the library, the Web interface, and the scaffolds based on…