bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynix, automation and development at Napier Polytechnic
Authors: Dunsire Gordon , Pinder Chris
Published: February 2008

The Dynix system was purchased by Napier Polytechnic of Edinburgh in March 1990, replacing a mixture of manual and small‐scale automated processes. The paper outlines the reasons behind the choice, describes the implementation of the system to date, and discusses the library's development plans. The system is integrated with the Polytechnic network and public access microcomputers in the three major campus libraries.
Pica library systems: the third generation
Authors: Feijen Martin
Published: February 2008

After a general introduction of Pica, with a short discussion of library co‐operation, organisation, Pica's history, and Pica systems, the Open Library Network (OLN) project is discussed. The Open Library Network will bring together a new network concept and a fully revised version of the Pica library systems. Three infrastructures are needed: technical, functional and organisational. This means networking, new functionality and organisation of the OLN implementation in the libraries. The network (VTP and SURFnet) is discussed, functional improvements (user interface, integration, intelligent bibliographic workstations, new OPAC, interlibrary lending' in relation to interconnected OPACs) are discussed and the decisions for implementation of OLN are presented (access authority, routing, costs). The article closes with a short presentation of related projects and future developments.
The automation of map library routines: problems and potential
Authors: Perkins C.R.
Published: February 2008

This article explores and explains the differences of emphasis in the past, evaluates current developments and speculates upon future uses of automated procedures in map collections. The emphasis is upon the automated retrieval and description of mapping, and upon technical, organisational, economic and political explanations for automation. The intention is to provide an overview and guide for the general reader to the concepts and literature of a specialist field.
A report on the Computers in Libraries International 91 conference
Authors: Tedd Lucy A.
Published: February 2008

Computers in Libraries International 91 was the fifth in an annual series of conferences run by the publishers Meckler Ltd, in the UK. It was held from the 26th to the 28th of February 1991.
Using a local area network in the Group Business Library of the Midland Group to provide a one‐stop reference point
Authors: Freeman Olivia J.
Published: February 2008

Computers are an intrinsic part of the working environment at the Midland Bank's Group Business Library (GBL) and have been used by library staff for the past seven years for providing a business enquiry service to the Group in the UK and overseas. In order to support this busy enquiry service it is necessary to have a computerised subject catalogue to journals and publications. Journals are circulated to London‐based Head Office departments. Other services offered by the library are a specialised European service; outside borrowing of publications; advising other departments (especially on databases and CD‐ROMs). The search services used include Reuter Textline, Infocheck (Dun and Bradstreet), Dialog, DataStar and FT Profile. The library provides a back‐up service to the internal training courses on financial analysis, during which they train staff on external search services and on CD‐ROMs, such as Jordan's FAME.
A report on the Microlib '91 conference in Lisbon
Authors: Tedd Lucy A.
Published: February 2008

The first Microlib conference was held in 1988 and some of the papers presented there appeared in subsequent issues of Program. The second Microlib conference was held at the same location, the Penta Hotel in Lisbon, from the 14th to the 16th of May 1991. As before, the conference was organised by Consinfor, a Portuguese consultancy company specialising in the information field. Staff from Consinfor have been involved over the years in helping organisations choose database software and design databases; they have also been involved in the organisation of other relevant seminars, exhibitions and conferences. Microlib '91 was sponsored by the Portuguese firm, Time Sharing, and the Dutch serials subscriptions agency, Swets.
Tools for preparing an online catalogue of cartoon drawings
Authors: Bovey J.D.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes some tools that were written to help with the conversion of the card catalogue of a collection of cartoon drawings into an online catalogue. The tools described are an input program and a pair of special purpose editors that are used for checking and correcting the newly input catalogue records. The first of the editors is screen based but the second editor runs on a Sun workstation and has a user interface that uses the workstation's mouse and graphics. Also described is a graphical authority file editor that is integrated with the workstation editor.
ELAG 1991: report of the library systems seminar
Authors: Goosens Paula
Published: February 2008

ELAG, the European Library Automation Group, brings together once a year people involved in library automation in the leading European libraries and information centres. On average 60 delegates from more than 15 countries participate.
A decade of DOBIS/LIBIS at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Library in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khurshid Zahiruddin
Published: February 2008

The paper gives an account of the implementation of DOBIS/LIBIS at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Library in Saudi Arabia during the period from 1981 to 1991. The local modifications and enhancements made to DOBIS programs to improve the functioning of various subsystems are described, as well as details of how DOBIS/LIBIS processes Arabic information.
An automated union catalogue for higher education in Indonesia: design studies for the Katalog Induk Perguruan Tinggi
Authors: Ashford John , Hariyadi Utami , Nanny Tina T.
Published: February 2008

A project to develop a national academic union catalogue for the 49 universities and major teacher training colleges of Indonesia has completed its design stages, and procurement of software and computing equipment will follow. The operational centre, will share a site in Dépok with the University of Indonesia. Early phases of implementation will concentrate on the 12 Discipline Service Centres where expertise and resources are concentrated in centres of excellence for selected subjects, to enable all students and researchers to share in this investment. In the course of the design studies, an examination was made of the library automation needs of a major university, Universitas Gadjah Mada, to ensure compatibility between national plans and end user requirements in library automation as a whole. The use of CD‐ROM is proposed as a distribution medium for the union catalogue of at least 500,000 titles. Pilot studies will be made in parallel with retrospective conversion of existing catalogues, to check out CD‐ROM production routes and explore approaches to subject indexing using multiple schemes and in several languages.
Production of a union catalogue using CDS/ISIS and Ventura: some experiences in India
Authors: Sreenivasa Ravi A. , Hariharan A. , Sadananda RAO B.
Published: February 2008

Rich collections of conference proceedings are available in major science and technology (S & T) libraries in India. Unfortunately, no bibliographic tool is available to provide access to these information sources at national/regional level at present. Recognising this fact, Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (INSDOC) has set up a project of creating a database and publishing a union catalogue of S & T conference proceedings available within the country. In the first phase, 30 major research and development institutions in the city of Bangalore, South India have been covered and the first volume of the union catalogue was published in 1991. It is printed using a desktop publishing system and the database is available on Unesco's CDS/ISIS mini‐micro version 2.3.
SIBIL and REBUS: a regional cataloguing service in Switzerland, France and Luxembourg
Authors: Clavel‐Merrin Genevieve
Published: February 2008

The SIBIL system originated in software developed for the Bibliothèque cantonale et universitaire in Lausanne, Switzerland in the early 1970s. SIBIL is now seen as a bibliographic tool providing a regional service for shared cataloguing and is installed in five centres in Switzerland, France and Luxembourg. The co‐operative formed by SIBIL users (REBUS) supports staff involved in the development of SIBIL and in the interconnection of regional networks. The paper describes the current main functions of SIBIL and outlines some possible developments for SIBIL 2000.
Use of the OSI Directory for accessing bibliographic information
Authors: Barker Paul
Published: February 2008

An OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Directory Service has recently been standardised in accord with the CCITT's X.500 recommendations. This OSI Directory (or X.500 Directory — the terms are used interchangeably) was developed with the priMary intention of providing support for electronic mail services, address look‐up of networked applications, and also white and yellow pages directory services. However, the OSI Directory has many of the features required for providing access to widely distributed bibliographic information. It offers the possibility of a unified bibliographic information framework; homogeneous access to bibliographic information; built‐in facilities for distributed searching; ‘natural’ integration with other OSI services which may be used to provide bibliographic services, for example, electronic mail and file transfer. This paper first provides a brief tutorial on the OSI Directory. The paper then considers how the OSI Directory might be used to provide access to a range of bibliographic information, and be used in tandem with other OSI services to allow the retrieval of documents. The paper then examines some of the problems of providing access to bibliographic information given the current version of the X.500 standard. A project (ABDUX — Accessing Bibliographic Data Using X.500) to investigate some of the ideas described in this paper is being funded by the British Library, and the paper notes the goals of this project.
The impact of automated library systems on job design and staffing structures
Authors: Dyer Hilary , Fossey Deborha , McKee Kathryn
Published: February 2008

The introduction of an automated library system brings changes in the working environment. If job design within the altered environment is not considered, the result can be employee apathy/hostility and the use of the system in unplanned ways. The idea of ‘good’ job design takes into account the needs of the individual as well as the organisational objectives. Automation also affects staff structures. This paper examines, by means of a literature survey carried out for a master's dissertation, the need for, and principles of, job design and the effects automation can have, and discusses the possible influences on staff structures.
MUSLS — a multi‐media, multi‐discipline database: Part 1, defining requirements, selecting the system and initial development
Authors: Batt Chris , MacDonald Sally , Scott Tony
Published: February 2008

A joint local studies library and museum database is being developed to support the services in the new central library and museum which is being built in Croydon and which will open in 1994. The requirements of three service groups (museum, local studies and archives), have been defined and the processes of selection and the preliminary stages of development are described. Details of the features specified in the Request for Proposal are included.
Relational database management systems and open systems used in the development of Oracle Libraries
Authors: Verity Georgina
Published: February 2008

The library systems market is a crowded arena, in which a proliferation of suppliers fight for a limited number of contracts. Many systems have been developed for a particular market niche, and are not easily portable to other sectors as product strengths in one market are often seen as weaknesses in another. Attitudes within the library profession have nurtured this approach, with each sector stressing the dissimilarities between styles of operation and information handling requirements.
PC‐based interfaces to online information services and the development of FT Profile's freeway
Authors: Davies Angela , Hepworth Mark
Published: February 2008

As the range and volume of information available online increases so does the number and diversity of potential new users. Unlike the more traditional users of online services these new users will come from many backgrounds and have varying levels of experience. Many of mem will also have raised expectations of the level of sophistication of computer interfaces as a result of using a range of different microcomputer applications. This article describes the advantage to end users of PC‐based interfaces to online search services, with particular reference to freeway, a system developed for end user searching of FT Profile. The stages in the development of freeway and a description of its operation under Windows is given.
Selecting Heritage/BookshelF‐PC for the District Library, Queen Mary's University Hospital, Roehampton
Authors: Alper Helen
Published: February 2008

The District Library at Queen Mary's University Hospital, Roehampton provides a comprehensive service to all staff employed by the National Health Service within the boundaries of Richmond, Twickenham and Roehampton Health Authority. In 1987 the library moved into a new building which is shared with the postgraduate medical centre. The stock consists of approximately 3000 books and 180 current journal titles. There is one full‐time librarian and at the time of buying BookshelF‐PC only one assistant for 18 hours a week. There is an annual issue of books of about 3000 and it was becoming increasingly difficult to control the stock. Being so short staffed meant that activities other than stock control, such as inter‐library loans and literature searching took precedence. Overdues were issued very infrequently, and since the readers filled in their own issue slips it was often impossible to match the slip to a book or a reader. There was also no way of keeping a check on readers who were leaving the hospital (and with junior doctors staying only six months, and medical students only six weeks this was important), nor readers who had not completed membership forms before borrowing books. The District Library is part of a cooperative network of libraries within the South West Thames (SWT) Region and already contributed to the union catalogue of books held on the regional database. This database is administered from the SWT Regional Library Service at Guildford using the INMAGIC software; individual library records are sent to Guildford where they are added to the database. Participating libraries receive back a disc to update their own local database of stock and a microfiche copy of the whole database.
Data markup and directory publishing: experiences of using CAIRS‐IMS at the Association of Commonwealth Universities
Authors: Robinson Elaine , Hewson Colin
Published: February 2008

Information for regularly‐issued publications held on a database, such as accessions lists, bulletins and directories, can be downloaded with embedded codes used for word‐processing commands, desktop publishing flags or a markup language. In this way the information can be formatted automatically for style and layout to facilitate printing and to enhance the final appearance. This article describes how a series of directories has been produced by the Association of Commonwealth Universities in this way using CAIRS information retrieval software and how the data must be tidied up once it has been exported from CAIRS. CAIRS' index generation facilities are also described.
OPAC: opaque or Open, Public, Accessible and Co‐operative? Some developments in natural language processing
Authors: Le Loarer Pierre
Published: February 2008

Current OPACs show their weakness in terms of ease of use and comprehension of user requests, and more generally in man/machine dialogue. Most OPAC searches are for subjects and these give the word results. Natural language processing techniques exist to reduce these difficulties. In France, natural language processing has been used to access the yellow pages (headings) of the French phone directory and the telematics services directory; examples are included. No doubt the future library systems will use these techniques to make the new OPACs really Open, Public, Accessible and Co‐operative (user‐friendly).
A comparative transaction log analysis of browsing and search formulation in online catalogues
Authors: Hancock‐Beaulieu Micheline
Published: February 2008

OLIVE, a transaction logging facility enhanced with online questionnaires, was used to collect data from users of public and academic library catalogues. The comparative analysis of subject searching behaviour focused on the role of browsing subject headings and brief references in search formulation. Opportunities for browsing are greatly constrained by indexing practices. It is suggested that a more integrated approach to pre‐coordinate and post‐coordinate searching would be more effective. The logging software has been developed for a number of commercial online catalogues including Geac, CLSI and LIBERTAS. The use of a diagnostic and monitoring tool in the evaluation of OPACs is advocated.
UNICORN at Kew: computerising the Library and Archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Authors: Fitzgerald Sylvia , Flanagan John
Published: February 2008

The implementation of the UNICORN Collection Management System from Sirsi Ltd is described, showing its adaptation to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew's particular needs, for books, art, archives and other materials; and the inter‐relationship of management and system factors.
Information retrieval strategies in McGraw‐Hill's Multimedia Encyclopedia of Mammalian Biology
Authors: Rickard Stephen
Published: February 2008

The Multimedia Encyclopedia of Mammalian Biology CD‐ROM was published by McGraw‐Hill in September 1992. It has been designed for use primarily at undergraduate level. Text, images, sound and movie clips and numerical information (data) can be accessed on the disc. In this article the concept of Resource Priority, allowing priority to be given to any one of these media types, is described. The principal methods of using the Encyclopedia (Browse and Search) are described. The working of the four hierarchical Browsers is outlined, together with the operation of ‘Linked mode’. The methods used to index the data to the Browsers is also discussed and examples of how the disc may be used are given. The text search features available on the disc are also described. These include simple text search, using boolean operators, and the ability to search the disc not according to the text itself, but using the indexing structures which underpin the Browsers. Attention is drawn to the implications of this approach for structuring information and upon the costs of developing commercial titles.
Transient technology? The future of CD‐ROMs in libraries
Authors: Bevan Nick
Published: February 2008

In a celebrated article, published in 1990, McSean and Law described CD‐ROM as a ‘transient technology’. This paper provides a starting point for a general discussion on the future role of CD‐ROMs in libraries. An examination of the CD‐ROM market and the range of applications available highlights the popularity of the medium. Technical limitations remain, however, and in some subject areas the lack of currency of the data is a significant drawback. Alternative sources of electronic information, including online, tape leasing, BIDS and storage on hard disc, are explored. Although these alternatives are superior to CD‐ROM in some respects, the latter has a promising future particularly for small full‐text applications, multimedia, and small specialised databases. CD‐ROM should be seen, in general terms, as a replacement for printed material rather than a competitor to other forms of electronic information.
Developing a hypertext guide to an academic library: problems and progress
Authors: Biddiscombe Richard , Watson Morag
Published: February 2008

This article describes the development of a hypertext guide to the University of Birmingham Main Library. Using Asymetrix Toolbook software the guide offers users a description of library services and subject locations, floor plans and a subject index. The structure of the guide is described, the problems of development and revision are outlined and possibilities for future progress are suggested.
New perspectives on library management systems: a Pilgrim's Progress
Authors: Heseltine Richard
Published: February 2008

The outlook now for the library automation industry is perhaps more positive than at any other time in recent years. At last there are real prospects for change and growth. However, the future role of the library management system is by no means clear, and the challenge which this presents, to suppliers and librarians alike, is the main theme of this contribution.
Adding journal holdings information to bibliographic records downloaded from online databases
Authors: Brock Jilian R.
Published: February 2008

This short communication outlines a method being developed at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), Aldermaston, for indicating whether journal papers located by searching online or CD‐ROM databases are available in the library.
Using CDS/ISIS for a full‐text community information system in Belgium: the GIDS‐system
Authors: De Smet Egbert
Published: February 2008

The CDS/ISIS software for textual data management, distributed by Unesco and now gaining popularity in the Third World and non‐profit organisations, proves to combine enough power and flexibility to serve as a development environment for a public access database of community information full‐text records. This article describes how CDS/ ISIS has been used and adapted to this end and discusses some features of the GIDS‐system, in which a public access interface and an electronic logbook for research on the system's use are most central.
COBISS — Co‐operative Online Bibliographic System and Services in Slovenia
Authors: Seljak Tomaž
Published: February 2008

In this contribution the construction and organisation of the Co‐operative Online Bibliographic System and Services (COBISS) in Slovenia is described. It is dealt with in segments, covering the communication infrastructure, products and services of the central bibliographic utility and information retrieval services of the COBISS system, online public access local library catalogues and databases and the union (co‐operative) database. The organisation of the management of the development of the COBISS system as an association of members (libraries/information centres) is presented, and a model of co‐ordination between the COBISS system as the basis of the library information system and the system of scientific information and communication on the national level is considered.
Report on the second annual conference of the Arabian Gulf Chapter of the Special Libraries Association, January 1994
Authors: Tedd Lucy A.
Published: February 2008

The Arabian Gulf Chapter of the Special Libraries Association (AGC/SLA) was founded in 1992 with the objectives of communicating, disseminating and using information effectively in the area which covers Bahrain, Dubai, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. AGC/SLA provides one of the main channels of communication for professional librarians and information scientists in the area and membership comprises staff working in academic, medical, school, governmental and industrial libraries, as well as ‘recreational librarians’ who serve the large, and predominantly ‘ex‐pat’ community, of Aramco in Saudi Arabia, many of whom are working in the oil industry.
ELAG 94: Report of the library systems seminar on library services in an electronic environment
Authors: Goossens Paula
Published: February 2008

The 18th ELAG (European Library Automation Group) meeting ‘Library services in an electronic environment’ was held in Budapest from 27 to 29 April 1994. ELAG was the guest of the prestigious Hungarian National Széchényi Library. One hundred and thirty European library automation specialists attended the seminar, among them about a quarter from Eastern Europe. The success was guaranteed by the programme, the continued enthusiasm of all members, and the smooth integration of the newcomers. Now, in its 15th year of existence, ELAG (European Library Automation Group) became European in the real sense of the word. Indeed nearly all European countries were represented. The ELAG members noted this achievement as a very important milestone.
CD‐ROM in school libraries
Authors: Burton Lindesay
Published: February 2008

This paper describes the advantages to be gained from the provision of CD‐ROMs in school libraries, together with the problems which must be faced and the long‐term implications of using the medium. It is based upon the author's experiences with CD‐ROM over a number of years in a large secondary school in Scotland, though the lessons to be learned are by no means limited to the Scottish educational situation.
Retrospective catalogue conversion at Lancaster University Library
Authors: Harrison Ken , Summers David
Published: February 2008

Lancaster University began a programme of retrospective catalogue conversion in 1990, initially using data from BNB on CD‐ROM, and more recently Library of Congress CDMARC Bibliographic. Records are downloaded in custom format (rather than MARC), and inhouse programs convert the data to the Lancaster catalogue format, and update the catalogue and related indexes. The proportion of library stock in full machine‐readable form has increased from 30 per cent in December 1990 to 72 per cent in July 1994. This article reports on technical details of the procedure, and implications in terms of staffing arrangements, work patterns, success rates, costs, and quality considerations.
Merging and reformatting records downloaded from various databases using database schemata mappings
Authors: Dearnley P.A.
Published: February 2008

This communication is concerned with the some of the problems encountered when building a specialised collection of bibliographic data from multiple bibliographic databases and one successful solution to these problems. It is common for the format of the data retrieved to vary considerably. The specialised collection is then edited, maintained, formatted and printed using a local personal computer system. Considerable work is involved in dealing with the variety of formats that can occur in the data from bibliographic databases.
Exploring the potential of new partnerships for document delivery at Cranfield University Library: report of a trial with Delft University of Technology
Authors: Bevan Simon J. , Harrington John
Published: February 2008

An increasing number of organisations are taking advantage of technologies such as fax, E‐mail and image scanning in order to enter the document supply arena. This competition is focused on a move towards the provision of documents to the end user. Currently electronic table of contents/document ordering services which are very active in this area tend towards the premium end of the spectrum for many libraries.
Library automation systems in academic libraries in Hungary
Authors: Mader BéLa
Published: February 2008

At present higher education in Hungary comprises 74 state, 24 church and four private institutions of which 19 offer courses at university level and 74 are specialised colleges. The legal framework for education and research in the system of higher education institutions is the Higher Education Act passed in 1993. With the Academy of Sciences Act being passed in 1994 the legal foundations for scholarship and scientific research have also been laid down. The Conference of Rectors of universities has produced a report on plans for higher education in Hungary up to the year 2000 which calls for updating of many aspects of university education. All these developments will greatly increase the number of students (by about 50–60 per cent), will result in changed curricula, enable more institutions to grant scientific degrees (including Ph.D) and will result in the setting up of regional universities with several faculties.
Electronic Libraries SGML Applications: background to project ELSA
Authors: Adams ROY J.
Published: February 2008

Project ELSA is examining the use of documents encoded in SGML (Standard Generalised Markup Language) for the delivery of information to library end users and to librarians acting as information intermediaries. A partnership of industry providers and an end user working together within the Third Framework of the CEC Libraries programme, is constructing a delivery system using SGML encoded journal articles which will be used to investigate technical issues and to examine the potential for offering new and improved services. The development of document delivery is discussed briefly followed by some background on SGML and comment on progress within the ELSA project. Some possible applications of such a system are discussed.
Project Jukebox: music across Europe
Authors: Clark Chris
Published: February 2008

The aim of Jukebox is to set up and test a pilot system for a new library service whereby library users at remote distances can have online access to sound recordings held in their own national media archives as well as archives in other European countries. This paper outlines the background of the project, gives details of the management of the project and its workplan (including the breakdown into ‘work packages’), describes the pilot system (with examples of some search screens), outlines the technical solutions adopted and discusses the copyright implications.
ONE — OPAC Network in Europe: taking a further step towards a Europe‐wide information network
Authors: Smith Neil A.
Published: February 2008

OPAC Network in Europe — ONE — is a project which aims to provide users with better ways to access library OPACs and national catalogues and which will stimulate and facilitate interworking between libraries in Europe. The project is based on the use of the SR/Z39.50 standards which enable users to search widely different computer systems across networks and offer end‐users the promise of greater ease of use through a solution to the proliferation of different user interfaces to library catalogues.
Public Libraries and Adult Independent Learners (PLAIL) — new technology to meet a new and old customer need
Authors: Watkin Alan
Published: February 2008

PLAIL as a project arises out of the rapidly growing demand for access to and support for adults seeking new learning and training opportunities. This area of demand is one of growing importance in the face of rapid changes in European society. The article summarises some of the main factors creating this surge in customer need and outlines principal elements for an appropriate public library response — a response which can only be achieved through the exploitation of the new technologies both for training staff and for the actual delivery of service. The current under‐utilisation of technology in respect of adult learners is examined and the way forward is explored for example through the development of technologically based staff training, the adoption of cost‐effective technology and the adoption of internationally recognised specification standards. Finally, a detailed, phased programme of training delivery is outlined.
Towards distributed library systems: Z39.50 in a European context
Authors: Dempsey Lorcan , Russell Rosemary , Kirriemuir John
Published: February 2008

Z39.50 is an information retrieval protocol. It has generated much interest but is so far little deployed in UK systems and services. This article gives a functional overview of the protocol itself and the standards background, describes some European initiatives which make use of it, and outlines various issues to do with its future use and acceptance. It is argued that Z39.50 is a crucial building block of future distributed information systems but that it needs to be considered alongside other protocols and services to provide useful applications.
Hypermedia library guides for academic libraries on the World Wide Web
Authors: Cox Andrew
Published: February 2008

A new vehicle for user instruction in academic libraries could be a hypertext library guide distributed on the World Wide Web. This article considers the advantages of an electronic library guide, and the particular advantages and problems of producing one using HTML (hypertext markup language) on the World Wide Web. Existing library guides on the Web are reviewed, and found to be impressive if capable of improvement. Some of the broad design issues are also reviewed, and the possible content of a guide discussed. Likely future developments are then considered.
Report on the 1995 UKOLN International Conference: Networking and the Future of Libraries
Authors: Steele Mary
Published: February 2008

The 1995 UKOLN International Conference was held at the University of Bath from 19–21 April 1995 on the theme: Managing the intellectual record. In the opening welcome to the conference, the former BLRDD (British Library Research and Development Department) Director, Brian Perry, mentioned the special nature of the conference, marking the retirement of Philip Bryant as Director of UKOLN, the Office for Library and Information Networking. The conference proceedings, which have been published, are dedicated to Philip Bryant.
The electronic library and distance resourcing: The Exeter experience
Authors: Myhill Martin , Jennings Sue
Published: February 2008

Changes increasing the school‐based component of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses have placed many ITT students in a distance learning situation. The one year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary course at the University of Exeter is numerically large with well‐above average loans amongst the Exeter ITT community. This article looks at the possibilities afforded by the electronic library in this context, considers alternative strategies and details the results of a questionnaire and analysis of library lending patterns of the PGCE group over a two year period. ‘Dial‐up’ use of the electronic library proved to be very small. However, the results demonstrate that electronic access to information services is technically feasible and should be seen as one option in resourcing distance learning although ideally used in combination with other features such as postal loans. Success of ‘dial‐up’ access has less to do with the technology involved and more to do with individual motivation and need, availability of alternative resources, access to computing equipment and the costs incurred.
Information technology in Danish public libraries
Authors: Evald Pierre
Published: February 2008

The paper reports on the findings from a research project on information technology (IT) in Danish public libraries, the FOLKIT‐project, conducted at the Royal Danish School of Librarianship in Aalborg in 1993/4. Ten pioneer public libraries were selected for an in‐depth study into their use of IT: this involved sending a questionnaire to all staff members and interviewing key IT personnel and chief librarians.
Electronic libraries: how soon?
Authors: Malinconico S. Michael , Warth Jane C.
Published: February 2008

Librarians are finding it increasingly difficult to acquire and to make available to their users the full range of information in print form that they require. Electronic information products and services are appearing at a rapidly increasing rate. Users find them attractive and, when available, use them more heavily than print sources. Consequently, librarians in response to the demands of users, and overwhelmed by the problems posed by print publications, are attempting to make electronic sources available. This paper describes the nature of the problems posed by print publications and trends involving the use of electronic documents in libraries. It discusses the progress made toward introducing electronic documents as alternatives, and complements, to print collections. It also describes a study that the IFLA Information Technology Section is undertaking to assess how rapidly libraries are adopting alternatives to locally held, print sources.
On designing an automated circulation system for an Indian environment
Authors: Katna A.K.
Published: February 2008

Any computer system must be capable of adapting to and serving the socio‐technical environment in which it is being developed. This is particularly true in the development of a circulation system for an Indian library. This communication reports on a system developed at the Indian Institute of Technology at Kharagpur.
Network '95: choosing a third generation automated information system for Suffolk Libraries & Heritage
Authors: Pachent Guenever
Published: February 2008

This paper examines why Suffolk County Council Libraries & Heritage decided in 1993 to move to a third generation automated information system in 1995. It reviews the factors which influenced the purchase of the system and it describes in some detail the process of selection. Library users, elected councillors, library and record office staff were present at demonstrations of possible systems and the ways in which their views were collected and analysed are discussed.
Library automation: The way forward?
Authors: Yeates Robin
Published: February 2008

Library automation systems in use today reflect a very conservative view of the library as a passive repository, and take little account of the user's needs and of the possibility of dynamic interaction. A review from the standpoint of the management of information services more generally, taking account of new resources and of new communications, suggests a number of places where improvements may be made, especially in involving the users more closely in the design and systems investment stages. Specific proposals are made as a basis for discussion, and to stimulate management thinking about personal development and skills transfer as well as the service technology.
Electronically Distributed Work Communities: Implications for Research on Telework
Authors: Hesse Bradford W. , Grantham Charles E.
Published: February 2008

Whereas the Industrial Revolution attracted workers away from home‐based community settings to central locations, the current proliferation of personal computers and asynchronous telecommunications technologies is reversing this trend. By networking employees from different geographical sites together, these technologies are producing “hybrid” organizational structures that permit their members to work within flexible schedules and in flexible places, even to the point of working at home. The result is the electronically distributed work community: a population of nonproximal coworkers who labor together electronically. This paper presents a springboard for conducting research on telework as it is understood within the context of that community. The paper begins with a brief history of telecommuting and describes its influence on the electronic community and organizational structures in general within the past two decades. The paper concludes by presenting implications for research on telework in the areas of privacy regulation, emergency preparedness, self‐efficacy, temporal aspects of employee behavior, communication patterns, and organizational effectiveness.
Does Anybody Have a Map? Accessing Information in the Internet's Virtual Library
Authors: Dalton Marian L.
Published: February 2008

The rapid advances in computer networking technology in the late 1980s have led to a corresponding increase in locations wishing to participate in computer networks. As more sites adopt a common communication protocol and connect to local networks that may themselves be connected into a national network, opportunities abound for information sharing and collaborative research. A major roadblock to experiencing the benefits of this connectivity, however, is the difficulty of knowing what information is available on computers throughout the network. Several approaches are being explored to provide access to this “virtual library.” A combination of library and computer networking skills will be necessary to design appropriate tools that will allow all users to participate in the developing networked information environment.
Resource Discovery in an Internet Environment—the Archie Approach
Authors: Deutsch Peter
Published: February 2008

New resources and services are being added to the network daily. The number of prospective users of these resources is expanding rapidly, but problems arise when individuals attempt to identify, locate, and access networked information in today's dynamic environment. This paper describes Archie, an electronic indexing service for locating information that exists on the Internet. The author describes the Archie service in the context of the Resource Discovery Problem and discusses enhancements that are planned for Archie.
Public Libraries and National Electronic Networks: The Time to Act Is Now!
Authors: Isenstein Laura J.
Published: February 2008

Public libraries must embrace the new electronic network technologies as they strive to meet the needs of their communities. As the borders of cities, states, and nations blur as a result of electronic information networks and global communication, and as access to information becomes seamless, the public library must firmly claim its place as a major provider and access point in the realm of electronic networking.
Social Scientists at Work on Electronic Research Networks
Authors: Robbin Alice
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this article is to contribute to our stock of knowledge about who uses networks, how they are used, and what contribution the networks make to advancing the scientific enterprise. Between 1985 and 1990, the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) ACCESS data facility at the University of Wisconsin‐Madison provided social scientists in the United States and elsewhere with access through the electronic networks to complex and dynamic statistical data; the 1984 SIPP is a longitudinal panel survey designed to examine economic well‐being in the United States. This article describes the conceptual framework and design of SIPP ACCESS; examines how network users communicated with the SIPP ACCESS project staff about the SIPP data; and evaluates one outcome derived from the communications, the improvement of the quality of the SIPP data. The direct and indirect benefits to social scientists of electronic networks are discussed. The author concludes with a series of policy recommendations that link the assessment of our inadequate knowledge base for evaluating how electronic networks advance the scientific enterprise and the SIPP ACCESS research network experience to the policy initiatives of the High Performance Computing Act of 1991 (P.L. 102–194) and the related extensive recommendations embodied in Grand Challenges 1993 High Performance Computing and Communications (The FY 1993 U.S. Research and Development Program).
Information Technology and Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion: Exploring the Intermediary‐End User Interface in a Policy Framework
Authors: Pinelli Thomas E. , Barclay Rebecca O. , Bishop Ann P. , Kennedy John M.
Published: February 2008

Federal attempts to stimulate technological innovation have been unsuccessful because of the application of an inappropriate policy framework that lacks conceptual and empirical knowledge of the process of technological innovation and fails to acknowledge the relationship between knowledge production, transfer, and use as equally important components of the process of knowledge diffusion. This article argues that the potential contributions of high‐speed computing and networking systems will be diminished unless empirically derived knowledge about the information‐seeking behavior of the members of the social system is incorporated into a new policy framework. Findings from the NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project are presented in support of this assertion.
Data Networking for the European Academic and Research Community: Is It Important?
Authors: Williams David O. , Carpenter Brian E.
Published: February 2008

Spectacular developments in computer network technology and applications are imminent, but European research and industry are unprepared for them. The gigabit testbeds and the NREN plans in the United States and technology developments in Japan are a clear challenge. Europehas a complex pattern of national and international research networks that provide valuableservices for their existing users. The evolution of these networks has been hindered by a variety of regulatory, political, economic, and technical barriers to progress, especially the lack of political focus and the small scale of industrial involvement. This paper analyzes the situation and makes recommendations for the way forward.
Commercialization of the Internet/NREN: Introduction
Authors: Eldred Susan M. , McGill Michael J.
Published: February 2008

Among members of the U.S. Internet community, there probably is no single issue causing more debate than the commercialization of this “network of networks.” Few will dispute that the Internet is a valuable resource, but it is equally clear that its value is not limited to its traditional set of users — those in the research and education (R&E) community. As a result of its success, demand for access to the Internet comes from many sectors, and there is every indication that the fastest growing segment of U.S. Internet users are members of the business community.
Commercialization of the Internet
Authors: Weis Allan H.
Published: February 2008

The Internet is undergoing a major paradigm shift. The factors influencing this shift, the commercial models that are emerging, and the resulting constraints that accompany these models are deeply rooted in the history of the Internet. This paper examines the historical forces shaping the new paradigm and the possible directions in which the new commercial Internet might evolve.
EFFECTIVE STRATEGIC DECISION PROCESSES IN HIGH TECH FIRMS: EMPIRICAL SUPPORT FOR COMPREHENSIVE RATIONALISM
Authors: Jones Robert E. , Jacobs Lester W. , Dale VonRiesen R.
Published: February 2008

An hypothesis relating comprehensiveness of strategic decision processes to strategic effectiveness was developed and tested using a sample of high technology firms. Results indicate a positive relationship between these two concepts. Implications to theory development and to high technology management are discussed.
Research Note
Authors: Hommen J.H.M.
Published: February 2008

Thank you for inviting me to participate in this important and timely conference. Global competition and the role of the United States within that arena is a very hot issue today.
CHINESE WORK VALUES IN HONG KONG, SINGAPORE, AND THAILAND
Authors: Selmer Jan , de Leon Corinna T.
Published: February 2008

To make comparisons between ethnic Chinese in different countries, the work‐related values of middle managers from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand were compared. Hong Kong and Singapore are characterized by a large Chinese majority and a dominant Chinese culture; whereas, in Thailand, the Chinese comprise a small minority, well integrated into Thai society. Therefore, the study hypothesized that similarities between the work values in Hong Kong and Singapore would be greater than between Hong Kong and Thailand or Singapore and Thailand. The findings, however, showed that there were twice as many significant differences in work values between Hong Kong and Singapore. Generally, however, Chinese work values were found to be quite consistent across the three societies.