Discusses results of a survey of 112 network and telecom managers--members of the Communications Managers Association (CMA)--to identify problems relating to the operation of large enterprise networks. Results are presented in a table under categories of: respondent profile; network management systems; carrier management; enterprise management;…

Reports on the current state of reference services on the World Wide Web and explains what a Web-based reference service is. Describes several models of handling requests, and explores the impact of these services on traditional reference services. Concludes that, to date, Web-based services have had little impact on traditional reference…

Discusses challenges to recordkeeping in a networked environment and describes emerging models. Suggests these principles that inform recordkeeping policies for National Information Infrastructure (NII) applications: move recordkeeping issues onto the agendas for planning and system design; understand recordkeeping requirements before systems are…

This study used content analysis to identify the communication conventions and protocols that real-time, interactive electronic chat users developed in instructional settings. Most frequently used conventions included sharing information/techniques for conveying meaning and indicating interest in a topic, using keywords and names of individuals,…

Focuses on possibilities for providing reference service to remote users of digital collections. Discusses international digital reference networks; factors that limit global electronic reference service; and drawbacks of e-mail and use of real-time interactive technologies for the reference encounter. Highlights some pioneering projects. (AEF)

Reports on one of the first projects in the United Kingdom which used the Internet to link schools with their local career service. Results of evaluations by staff and pupils in four secondary schools are discussed in terms of design features, access and communication issues, and further recommendations for development. (Author/AEF)

Examines common CD-ROM networking architectures: via existing operating systems (OS), thin server towers, and dedicated servers. Discusses digital video disc (DVD) and non-CD/DVD optical storage solutions and presents case studies of networks that work. (PEN)

CORC (Cooperative Online Resource Catalog) is an OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) project developing tools and systems to enable libraries to provide enhanced access to Internet resources. A system for hosting and supporting subject gateways-than a gateway itself- relying on large-scale cooperation among libraries to maintain a centralized…

This article describes activities to improve the access to cross-agency information systems, including identifying outcome goals and objectives, the populations of concern, needed sources of information, data collection methods, and data utilization. Benefits of establishing cross-agency agreements, common cross-agency definitions, and procedures…

This article focuses on Obvia Corporation, a New York-based company that offers remote data access (RDA) through a server software system allowing for an easy, controllable, cost-effective management solution to the remote access problem. Using Obvia's RDA service, librarians can focus on administrative and professional decisions and spend more…

The Internet Public Library (IPL), hosted by the University of Michigan School of Information is an operating virtual library that answers reference questions from all over the world. Discussion includes the construct of the IPL Reference Center, how the Reference Center handles questions, and characteristics of e-mail reference service. (AEF)

This study of 51 Australian elementary school students found that information seeking, driven by a contextual and practical need, resulted in greater retention. Research in the use of electronic information sources has shown that while students can retrieve information, they often fail to retain the information. Attributes the gain to an increased…

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…

Library media staff at Western High School (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) established a library media center without walls and an information hub without limits. This article describes the planning, funding, wiring, equipping, programming, managing, and benefits of the $624,500 network. (PEN)

CrossRef was created to make broad-based linking efficient and scalable across a wide range of primary publishers, secondary publishers, abstracting and indexing services, and libraries. CrossRef runs a system that enables publishers to assign Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) to articles and collects standardized metadata so the identifiers can…