From: LIBPACS@UHUPVM1.BITNET (Public-Access Computer Systems Forum)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.pacs-l
Subject: Net-based Documents
Date: 9 Nov 92 15:56:46 GMT
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU

3 Messages, 70 Lines
*-----
From: "Brent Sweeny" <sweeny@pine.ucs.indiana.edu>
Subject: Re: Library Use of Net-based Documents
 Paul M. Gherman said:
>If we are to create the virtual library, we need to change our thinking
>from locally created finding aids, to the virtual access mechanism which
>takes the user to the e-source. The problem is that we do not have
>institutions whose mission it is to create these new mechanisms on a national
>or international level. Our libraries see their mission as creating local
>access to local ownership, instead we need to direct our energies to creating
>a new meta-structure of information which will probably be disipline oriented.
----------
      I'm not a librarian, but I would respond that I understand there are
structures already in place that are starting to result in greater access to
networked information through "virtual libraries" much as he describes.  One
of my colleages last week told me about a structure he's working on using
Z39.50 references which would allow our library to catalog networked information
and to point users at it no matter where it might be, so I think that there IS
considerable hope, and there ARE people working in these things right now,
and I gather that international standards like Z39.50 can provide a structure
for the cataloging and location of materials of all sorts both locally and
remotely.   (Now we just need tons of digital information to refer TO!)
--
Brent Sweeny                                    sweeny@indiana.edu
Indiana University Computing Services           812 / 855-5391
750 N. St Rd 46, Bloomington, IN  47405
*-----
From: Genny Engel <gen@magnum.ucop.edu>
Subject: Re: Library Use of Net-based Documents
Paul Gherman argues for discipline-based guides to electronic literature
INSTEAD OF intermediaries and locally-produced finding aids.  I would
argue that both are needed.  There will be a continuing need for Internet
reference and database reference, because the mere existence of sources
searchable directly by the end user does not guarantee the user will be
able to figure out how to use them or how to pick the best source.  This
is no different from part of the reference function regarding full text
that is readable in print by the end user!

While subject-specific guides are surely needed for both print and
electronic sources, locally-based guides have their uses as well.  In the
e-world one big reason for local guides is that they can include sources
which, by license agreement, are available only to the local user (e.g.,
the MEDLINE database mounted on your OPAC, or the Inspec CD-ROM in the
Engineering library).

Genny Engel
MELVYL System User Services
University of California
gen@magnum.ucop.edu
*-----
From: jaffe@scilibx.ucsc.edu (Lee Jaffe, Microcomputer & Network Services)
Subject: Re: Library Use of Net-based Documents
Claims that electronic media will eliminate the need for intermediaries
is about the same as saying that the availability of cheap books through
bookstores would mean the end of libraries.

Sure, anyone with the means -- a computer, a data-capable line and the
knowledge to navigate the system -- will have greater access to sources
through computers.  For those that don't have the means, the library
may be the likely source.

As to those with a mandate to build the navigational tools, again I see
this as a tradional role of libraries and I'm seeing more and more of us
taking responsibility in this area.  The publishers have virtually just
thrown their products into a huge pile and left it to 'someone' -- could
it be a librarian? -- to sort it out.  Well, here we are again.

-- Lee Jaffe, UC Santa Cruz
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU