Identifies problems experienced when libraries introduce computerized systems in countries remote from major centers of development, i.e., level of expertise, limited market, financial aspects, type of hardware and software available. Solutions to problems through cooperation and coordination of library computerization and Republic of South Africa…

Discusses some basic notions of modern cryptography: public key systems and digital signatures. Describes how theoretical modern cryptography can help solve security problems on the Internet. (Author/JKP)

Investigated how users reacted to breakdown situations that generated error messages when browsing the Web. Results showed error messages were not helpful to users in diagnosing the cause of the problem and suggests the need for a model of Web browsing that would be available for users to learn from the error messages. (Author/LRW)

This paper proposes solutions to technical, copyright, and financial problems of downloading (storage in machine-readable form at user's site as result of searches in machine-readable file held on vendor's computer). Challenges of downloading--establishing ground rules, new pricing structure, new sales possibilities--are discussed. Six references…

Three separate articles present advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer use in libraries and some guidelines for determining whether their use is appropriate. Highlights include potential of microcomputers for improving existing situations; merits of automation; health hazards posed by microcomputers; man-machine interface difficulties;…

Discusses library archival information as an essential element in librarians ability to establish themselves as competitive providers of information; describes problems with conventional archive storage methods; recommends recordable CD-ROMs for an electronic archiving media; and gives an example of document management software used with…

Considers electronic interlinkage between two library networks in regard to functions of online shared cataloging and online interlibrary lending based on computerized union catalog. Problem areas are discussed: political climate, professional attitude, incompatibility of organizations, management and staff differences, financial stability,…

Discussion of disinformation in the mass media focuses on present and future possibilities of disinformation on the Internet. Highlights include six forms of disinformation; the mishandling of information; voluntary disinformation; the gap between information providers and users; and strategies for avoiding disinformation, including quality…

Discusses digital intellectual property rights relating to peer-to-peer networks, using Napster as an example. Suggests anti-piracy solutions to prevent litigation and considers how libraries can develop potential service models using peer-to-peer networks, including the development of personal libraries on the Internet, interlibrary loan,…

Discusses problems facing naive users of interactive information systems (IIS) that have been identified through classroom research. Impediments to successful use of IIS are students' inability to make use of non-text-based information sources and difficulty choosing appropriate search strategies. Mental models developed by users may provide clues…

Discusses the need for computer literacy for library staff. Computer applications in libraries and information centers are described; problems concerning computerization in libraries are discussed, including computer anxiety, differences in information retrieval methodologies, and user friendliness; and solutions to these problems are suggested,…

Examines the possibility of constructing an online international union catalog from machine readable entries originating in different countries and discusses use of MARC-compatible records as records that can be converted to MARC algorithmically. Sources of cataloging records, problems generated by merging, and resolution of problems are…

This essay addresses problems associated with technology used in the handling of high-resolution visual images in electronic document delivery. Highlights include visual fidelity, laser-driven optical disk storage, electronics versus micrographics for document storage, videomicrographics, and system configurations and peripherals. (EJS)

Discusses the use of MARC format in relational databases and addresses problems of incompatibilities. A solution is presented that is in accordance with Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standards and is based on experiences at the library of the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain). (four references) (EA)

Discussion of public access microcomputer service areas in public libraries covers walk-in access, software/hardware circulation, online call-in services, and special programs. Principles for successful public access programs are also discussed, including hardware/software selection. Problems relating to equipment breakdown, diskette storage, and…