Connections, such as the web, are key in working out how to share information. North Carolina and Duke are using a web server which seems to be working out wonderfully. Utilizing the web software eliminates several client and legal issues, and many of these systems install or update themselves as you use them. One problem, Michele noted, is the question of moving user shareware or proprietary software into a public system. Copyright law will control much of the development direction.
Security is important to screen qualified users.
There are development glitches as well as contractual problems which are projected to be worked out by 1997. For FCLA the goal is to deliver text and images, the complete article from the server to the client. Jim said images are being created in machine readable formats now and not being scanned from printed copy. Monica asked if full text could be made available prior to full image copy, since textual content would probably be more relevant for the undergraduate. Jim said that it probably could be done, but again, he was hesitant to make promises of any kind.