Government agencies should investigate alternative service delivery systems in rural areas in order to overcome the problems of scope and distance. In examining alternative technologies, questions of feasibility, efficiency and effectiveness should be addressed. Numerous experiments, demonstrations, random innovations, and research studies have…

Discusses two facets of the multi-aspect program of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) aimed at international cooperation with a view to standardizing documents and elaborating new patent information retrieval methods, while stressing the role of three international patent information organizations. (CWM)

When AVCO Financial Services, a national multibranch financial company, decided to convert from manual to computerized operations, a training program for employees was developed to implement the changeover. The program design, trainer training seminars, and a forty-five-day preconversion training period are described. (MF)

Reports on a study of the impact of modern communication technology on the distance education system evolving in British Columbia. Analyzes data concerning satellite-based, live interactive television programs broadcast by the Knowledge Network. Recommends a focus on methods of delivery and student characteristics. (CH)

Presents an overview of the Computer-Aided Engineering Network (CAEN) of the University of Michigan. Describes its arrangement of workstations, communication networks, and servers. Outlines the factors considered in hardware and software decision making. Reviews the program's impact on students. (ML)

Discussion of issues concerned with providing library reference services to machine readable data files focuses on numeric databases. The team approach used at the University of Florida, which incorporates reference librarians, programers and data managers, database producers and vendors, and professional associations, is described. A bibliography…

Describes the history and current status of bibliographic control in Japanese libraries, including the necessity for standardizing the combination of Japanese phonetic script and Chinese characters. The results of a survey of bibliographic activities and library automation are presented, and a developing plan to establish Japanese bibliographic…

Examines the difficulties faced by the implementors of information dissemination systems in developing nations and explores the possible use of optical data disk technologies to overcome them. A pilot project of the Pan American Health Organization for the production of a CD-ROM containing bibliographic references on public health is described.…

Presents interview with Roger Summit, the president of Dialog Information Services, Inc. Highlights include Summit's role as chief architect of the system, the inception of Dialog and its beginnings at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, services provided by Dialog, a challenge for libraries, and future developments and services. (EJS)

Explains the major aims and project goals of the Welsh conservation movement called Project Cynefin. Describes the mechanisms for promoting environmental education in the schools and in facilitating a national and international information network. Also discusses specific projects and identifies key organizations. (ML)

As scholars increasingly use electronic networks, the roles of the library and the computer center will need to change from central repositories of information and technology to integrators of disparate information sources. Scholars will become less library "patrons" and more "users" of electronic information services that will…

This article outlines the technological developments that have taken place in the online information field and their effects on the role of librarians as information intermediaries. Discussion covers changing technologies; products (data bank switch, electronic publishing and full-text databases, user friendly access and end user searching); and…

Discussion of main areas and priorities for research and development and the scientific and technological infrastructure in Sri Lanka includes outline of history and main objectives of the Sri Lanka Scientific and Technical Information Center. Issues and problems in providing information are analyzed and possible solutions suggested. Seven sources…

Describes pilot project for establishment of microcomputer-based data system for village-level planning and rural development in Sri Lanka which was initiated in January 1983 to investigate problems and possibilities of improving information management at local level. Administrative and planning structure, project scope and objectives, and…

This review discusses the key elements of a national infrastructure of information--government (funding, legislation, manpower planning, national information policy, development of communications systems); people (information users and professionals); professional associations or societies; publishing industry; physical information resources…