Describes characteristics of the online marketplace. Topics discussed include technology barriers; data ownership; markets for online services, including libraries and end users; marketing and promotion tactics, including exhibits and conferences, advertising, direct mail, and user groups; international marketing and service; strategic marketing…

Describes how to use the Internet to access commercial online database services, such as DIALOG, and discusses the advantages in terms of costs, reference services, and accessibility. Outlines in detail how to save a search session or link another terminal to a Telnet session, and provides information and Internet addresses for eight vendor…

This introduction to Database's annual review issue highlights trends covered in the 1991-93 reviews; lists 13 trends described as a continuation of the trends of the past 2 or 3 years; and discusses the World Wide Web and America Online's innovative development of a database that combines text, images, sound, and commentary. (KRN)

Describes the European Information Market Observatory and its purpose of gathering and providing knowledge about the European electronic information services market. Topics include the supply and use of electronic information services, size of the market, structure and policy of market operators, and recent developments in new electronic…

Describes EasyNet, a gateway service that allows users access to over 900 databases. Use of EasyNet at the University of Richmond (Virginia) libraries is explained, search strategies are discussed, problems with the price structure are examined, and its use both as an end-user service and for mediated searching is described. (LRW)

Describes chat servers and message boards that are available for Web sites. Moderated celebrity chats, customer-service environments, three-dimensional space, education and training from remote sites, vendors, storage space, staffing, and liability are discussed. (LRW)

The extranet--use of the Internet by a corporation's employees and extranet partners for safe communication, collaboration, and commerce--presents the opportunity for true, value-added services on the part network managers. Those that outsource the physical infrastructure management to service providers will have a head start on other networking…

Provides background and context for the issue of outsourcing. Illustrates the practice as it exists in libraries. Offers a model for analyzing outsourcing alternatives and a scenario for testing the model, and suggests alternate approaches for management. (Contains 52 references.) (AEF)

Addresses the opportunities offered by the Web to marketers. Considers the Web as a two-way communication model in which four different communication states can take place. Suggests the necessity of new concepts and models for marketers to manage their Web sites, and presents opportunities supporting the marketers' objectives in the new…

Describes World Geography, a commercial Web subscription geographic information source. Discusses its use as a reference source, including content, navigation, and links; the teaching module; integrating technology into the curriculum; pricing; and vendor information. (LRW)

Examines library automation product introductions and conversions to new operating systems. Compares user satisfaction ratings of the following library software packages: DOS/Windows, UNIX, Macintosh, and DEC VAX/VMS. Software is rated according to documentation, service/support, training, product reliability, product capabilities, ease of use,…

Presents a framework for enhancing trust in Internet commerce. Shows how trust can be provided through a network of Trust Service Providers (TSp). Identifies a set of services that should be offered by a TSp. Presents a distributed object-oriented implementation of trust services using CORBA, JAVA and XML. (Author/AEF)

Presents an analysis of information industry alliance formation using environmental scanning methods. Highlights include why libraries and academic institutions should be interested; a literature review; historical context; industry and market structures; commercial and academic models; trends; and implications for information providers,…

Explores why more and more institutions are outsourcing different functions in the college union, including food services, vending, and bookstores. Examines the advantages and disadvantages, and what college union administrators should watch for when considering outsourcing. (EV)

Discusses the educational uses of digital cameras and describes a fourth grade project that created a computerized yearbook. Lists available digital cameras, including prices; describes benefits, including speed; and explains negative aspects, including cost of the cameras and computer hardware and software requirements. (LRW)