Describes five programs that have been significant to the evolution of biomedical communications in health sciences libraries over the last twenty years: the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM); Integrated Advanced Information Management Systems (IAIMS); National Research and Education Network (NREN); Unified Medical Language System…

Discusses the future of libraries in rural areas, the role of the community, and possible effects of changing technology in telecommunications. Topics include a historical background, including the Rural Electrification Administration; networking technology; an example of a Rural Area Network in Colorado; and new roles for libraries and…

Provides an overview of the current state of networking technology in rural libraries and describes a model for educating rural librarians in accessing electronic networks. Topics discussed include information needs in rural libraries; telecommunications technology access in rural areas; and examples of services to enhance information access.…

Discussion of networked information resources highlights a survey of American Library Association accredited library schools in North America that investigated the inclusion of networking concepts in the curriculum. Faculty attitudes regarding the place of networking education and their perceptions of its impact on library and information science…

A virtual association is more communicative, more responsive, and more attuned to the needs of its members and its profession than a traditional paper-based association. The benefits of a virtual association far outweigh the transitory demands made by technology by enhancing communication and connectivity between members, staff, and a truly global…

Provides an overview of the importance of user-based evaluations of networked information services; reviews data collection techniques that provide a user perspective when assessing networked information services, including focus groups, user logs, interviews, observation, and surveys; and offers practical suggestions and guidelines for using such…

Presents selected results from an empirical investigation into the use of computer networks in aerospace engineering based on data from a national mail survey. The need for user-based studies of electronic networking is discussed, and a copy of the questionnaire used in the survey is appended. (Contains 46 references.) (LRW)

Provides an overview of developments in health sciences libraries leading to the virtual library. Highlights include online searching; integrated library systems; networked resources; the expansion of interlibrary loans and document delivery systems; the Integrated Academic Information Management System; and the role of the National Library of…

Discusses the use of electronic journals for scholarly communication within the humanities. Twelve electronic journals that are currently available are described; and issues they raise for libraries are examined, including the nature of the medium, the impact on content, the impact on audience, library access, and archival responsibilities. (LRW)

Discusses the development of practical strategies for library mediation between Internet resources and potential users. Topics addressed include a hierarchy of information skills; awareness of information services and resources; the information structure of a discipline; analysis of information needs; and retrieval, evaluation, and management of…

Libraries need to adapt their systems for the collection, preservation, organization, and distribution of information to take advantage of new technology and communication tools. Libraries that successfully adapt these systems will become a more central institution in the community served. (AEF)

Discusses educational issues concerning the Internet, including the changing role of the Internet in schools, libraries, and the workplace; unequal access resulting from economic and geographic barriers; implications of different privatization approaches; the impact of the Internet on professional school curricula; and the need for better tools…

Discusses the impact that network technology, electronic publishing, and Internet communication are having on collection development policies in research libraries. Highlights include changes in the research library environment, including financial difficulties; scholarly communication; workstations for material selection; and materials in…