Describes the French Language Information Network in Canada as an example of a national network and discusses the work of the International Federation of Library Associations in developing international networks. It is argued that, in order to design effective networks for developing countries, it is essential to first survey local needs. (seven…

Describes the formation of the U.S. Agricultural Information Network, an association whose goal is to provide a forum for discussion of agricultural information issues. Topics discussed include the role of the National Agricultural Library and proposed policies relating to the network's membership, functions, and governance. (seven references)…

Reports the results of a survey designed to determine the frequency and purpose of individuals' use of electronic mail in relation to their professional development. Survey was distributed using three newsletters found on BITNET. Finds that electronic mail is replacing other means of communication and stimulating new communication among diverse…

Explores issues related to bibliographic database authority control, including the nature of standards, quality control, library cooperation, centralized and decentralized databases and authority control systems, and economic considerations. The implications of authority control for linking large scale databases are discussed. (18 references)…

Describes Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN), which, combined with desktop workstations, will provide access to voice, text, and video telecommunications. Telecommunications technology is discussed, the use of desktop workstations to facilitate ISDN is described, and possible future uses of ISDN technology in distance education are…

Describes the Government Information Locator Service (GILS), designed to help the public identify and acquire federal government information as part of the evolving National Information Infrastructure. Highlights include background information; use of GILS through the Internet; and agency-based information services, including the Government…

Discusses the use of the Internet for electronic publishing. Topics addressed include electronic mail; Telenet; file transfer protocol and Archie; Gopher; World Wide Web; LISTSERVS; and USENET. Four case studies are presented that illustrate how people can use the Internet to make information available to large numbers of people. (Contains 15…

Discusses rules of etiquette for communicating via computer networks, including conversing as politely as you would face-to-face; ethical behavior; becoming familiar with the domain that you are in; rules for discussion groups; quality of writing; sharing appropriate knowledge; and respecting individuals' privacy. (LRW)

Discusses implications of using the Internet for library technical services. Topics addressed include creative uses of the Internet; three basic applications on the Internet, i.e., electronic mail, remote log-in to another computer, and file transfer; electronic processing of information; electronic access to information; and electronic processing…

Examines the development of the Pacific Legal Information Network (PALIN). PALIN was designed to be an online information retrieval system for legal information between the Pacific island nations; however, now, it is a collection of legal holdings that may be photocopied and distributed. Guides to legislation in Papua New Guinea are also…

Describes present and future plans for the campuswide communications network at Case Western Reserve University (Ohio). Highlights include upgrading from baseband to broadband technologies; ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)-based networks that allow simultaneous voice, video, and data transmission; strategic planning goals; implications for…

Discusses the storage requirements for data forms used in interactive multimedia education and presently available storage devices. Highlights include characteristics of educational multimedia; factors determining data storage requirements; storage devices for video and audio needs; laserdiscs and videodiscs; compact discs; magneto-optical drives;…

Describes the development and activities of the Center for Electronic Texts in the Humanities, established by Princeton University and Rutgers University to provide a national focus for the development, dissemination, and use of electronic texts in the humanities. Sidebars explain the Text Encoding Initiative and Standard Generalized Markup…

Describes VERONICA (Very Easy Rodent-Oriented Net-Wide Index to Computerized Archives), an Internet navigation tool developed at the University of Nevada as an index and access tool to gopher servers on the network. Highlights include connecting to VERONICA; availability of VERONICA server software; and difficulties. (Contains three references.)…

Examines activity cycles in long-distance educational electronic networks based on experiences on FrEdMail (a grass-roots microcomputer-based electronic network) to create effective network-based learning activities. Yearly, weekly, daily, and other cycles are described; and cyclical patterns for two types of instructional interactions are…