Online library services have been mostly available uniquely in English. To serve the diverse communities that uses library services, a growing number of libraries have been investigating the ins and outs of offering virtual reference in languages other than English. Developing this kind of service in languages spoken by various library user groups…

Outlines the proposed Public Communication System (PCS) being explored at the University of Wisconsin and University of Iowa to provide coalition-based, nonprofit public access to the Internet/NREN (National Research and Education Network) and associated information resources. Funding, organization, prospects for success, benefits to the public,…

Examines library intranet applications, focusing on distribution of software, storage for graphics and audiovisuals, and networking CD-ROM products. Discusses potential problems, and describes an intranet being built at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (New York) library and its effects on the CD-ROM collection. Highlights the Special Libraries…

Discusses World Wide Web uses in a computer setting for university administrative purposes with a focus on how the library can enhance administrators' awareness of this tool and the potential benefits to the library from doing so. Sidebars present a sampling of World Wide Web sites that demonstrate university administrative applications.…

OpenURL resolver is the next big thing for libraries. An OpenURL resolver is simply a piece of software that sucks in attached data and serves up a Web page that tells one where he or she can get the book or article represented by it. In this article, the author describes how he designed an OpenURL resolver for his library, the Lewis & Clark…

Report of a survey that addresses the need to identify elements that retard or enhance incorporation of technology into academic library work routines. Questions related to supervisor impact; training; time/staff; communications; physical resources; and personal interest/experience. Suggestions for improvement include better communications,…

Current library automation practices and new technologies have forced library managers to seek some means of reducing carpal tunnel syndrome, and a case study of Texas A&M's library provides insights. Highlights include identifying and assessing the injuries, adjusting work surfaces, testing and selecting new keyboards, and developing…

Describes a survey of public and academic libraries in Ohio that was conducted to examine the processes used to select and implement integrated library systems. Machine readable records are discussed, the computer environment in libraries is described, and satisfaction with the systems is examined. (eight references) (LRW)

Explains the public printing services available at computer terminals for patrons at the University of Guelph (Ontario) libraries. Highlights include configurations of the public workstations; client and server hardware and software; security features; cost projections; and printing charges. (LRW)

Explains a team approach to writing grants that was developed at the Southern University (Louisiana) library to meet their need for updated technology. Discusses the need for outside funding sources for academic libraries; team responsibilities; the library director's role; and the role of the Internet as a source of information. (Contains 2…

Presents aspects of Pullen Library's move from manual to automated management of cataloging statistics, and offers advice to libraries in similar situations. The difficulties included staff resistance, finding the right software package, and spreadsheet training; and the advantage was that the Quattro Pro program reduces complicated spreadsheets…

Discusses document delivery services in the light of new technology. Topics addressed include the historical influences of the printing press; the influence of microcomputers on the publishing industry; copyright issues; the changing role of publishers, researchers, and academic librarians; information partnerships among publishers, librarians,…

Describes the UTAD (Utah Article Delivery) Pilot Project, an innovative resource-sharing service that provides journal articles to the Utah higher education community, developed by the Utah Academic Library Consortium (UALC) in partnership with EBSCO Document Services. Highlights include goals, options considered, challenges, and evaluation. The…

An academic librarian at the University of South Carolina, faced with providing online resources for distant and distributed learners, examines whether there is any difference between distant and distributed learners. Illustrates changes brought on by implementation of information technologies. Discusses seeking a new definition, meeting…

Summarizes issues discussed at an institute held at Cornell University on the impact of electronic publishing on library collection development. Topics discussed include libraries of the future; the National Research and Education Network (NREN); a definition of an electronic library; scholarly communication; implications of national networks; and…