Discusses the value of statistics in public library administration and recent efforts by the federal government and the Public Library Association (PLA) to gather public library statistics. PLA's Public Library Data Service (PLDS) Statistical Report '88 and planned online availability are described. An inset shows data on salaries for beginning…

Reviews the conception and services of ALANET, American Library Association's (ALA) electronic information service designed to create an electronic mail system and develop a wide-ranging information service to improve access to information resources of ALA. External databases, professional information services, communications networks, assisting…

Reports on Seventh International Online Information Meeting sponsored by Learned Information, Ltd., and conference on Information Technology in Library/Information School Curriculum sponsored by British Library, both held in London, December 1983. Participant viewpoints, developments in online systems, teaching of technology in library schools,…

The history of "The Engineering Index" (Ei) and its parent organization, Engineering Information, Inc., is traced from 1884-1984, drawing parallels between the 100-year evolution of Ei and the 75-year development of Special Libraries Association. Ei's future plans for expansion are defined with emphasis given to special librarian's role.…

Presents list of sources providing information about reference uses of databases emphasizing those which are commercially available and issues and developments in online database searching. Citations to introductory textbooks, other useful monographs, journal articles, bibliographies, periodicals, directories, professional groups, conferences,…

This article discusses the major steps taken by the Association of Research Libraries, OCLC's Major Microforms Project, the Research Libraries Group, and various libraries to ensure the successful bibliographic control of microforms. Action plan of subcommittee of Association of Research Libraries Resources and Technical Services Division is…

Describes collection evaluation tool available to Research Libraries Group (RLG) institutions which provides overview, arranged by subject, of existing collection strengths and future collecting intensities of RLG members. Antecedents of the tool and an online version are discussed. Seven references, definitions of collecting levels, and language…

Research Libraries Group (RLG) is a corporation owned by 26 academic libraries in the United States. To accomplish their goals, RLG maintains a computerized library services system known as the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN). The RLIN system (and subsystems), design considerations, functions, and benefits for RLG members. (Author/JN)

Examination of the challenges for serials management posed by rapid changes in technology places particular emphasis on issues relating to the bibliographic control of and access to serial publications. Problem areas are identified as organization for serials work, staffing, and the multiplication and specialization of serial publications.…