This article outlines the technological developments that have taken place in the online information field and their effects on the role of librarians as information intermediaries. Discussion covers changing technologies; products (data bank switch, electronic publishing and full-text databases, user friendly access and end user searching); and…

This publication was developed by the Reference and Adult Services Division/Machine-Assisted Reference Section/User Access to Services committee of the 1993 ALA (American Library Association) Midwinter meeting, and was designed for archivists, publishers, librarians, and associates in research centers and societies. Information is presented on how…

The Houston Community College System (HCCS) is one of the largest community colleges in the nation, serving over 52,000 students. Though there is no dedicated full-time distance education (DE) librarian at HCCS, "traditional" librarians are meeting the needs of a rapidly growing population of DE and hybrid students by adapting to new…

Reviews key developments in information technologies, and describes the possible convergence of these developments in the creation of a new publishing and communication medium. The impact of this technology on the organization and role of libraries is discussed. (4 references) (CLB)

This document begins by presenting the text of "Technology & U.S. Government Information Policies: Catalysts for New Partnerships," which is the third report of the Task Force on Government Information in Electronic Format. Topics covered by the report include the impact of technology, private sector roles and government…

Examines the link between the publish or perish issue and the quantity and quality of scholarly publications and explores the costs to libraries resulting from this situation. The use of electronic publishing as an alternative to serial collections and recommendations from the American Council of Learned Societies are discussed. (CLB)

In the first of two articles, William Potter discusses the drawbacks and opportunities presented by advances in technology, including budgeting for online access, dealing with publishers and producers, and relating to computing centers. In the second, Paul Metz discusses collection development in academic libraries with emphasis on new electronic…

Examination of the challenges for serials management posed by rapid changes in technology places particular emphasis on issues relating to the bibliographic control of and access to serial publications. Problem areas are identified as organization for serials work, staffing, and the multiplication and specialization of serial publications.…

This review of new developments and products in online services discusses trends in travel related services; full text databases; statistical source databases; an emphasis on regional and international business news; and user friendly systems. (Author/CLB)

The federal government's shift from physical to electronic formats presents advantages and disadvantages for small college and rural libraries. Provides an overview of the shift to electronic publishing and presents the experience of a small federal depository library at Shepherd College (WV). Includes an annotated bibliography of government…

Describes a survey that examined the effects of increasing serial subscription costs on American and Canadian research libraries. Strategies adopted by libraries are described, including faculty and campus involvement, retrenchment, long range planning, and shared resources. Relationships with publishers and the possible impact of electronic…

Describes InfoStation, an information system which integrates a microcomputer with a videotape recorder and facsimile machine, to provide backup storage and selective retrieval of both analog and digital information. The features and applications of the system are described in detail and compared with other computer storage methods. (CLB)

This guide provides desktop publishing basics and instructions for specific library applications, enabling any librarian to function as the writer, editor, designer, proofreader, and printer of a variety of different publications. The guide is designed to help librarians create publications that are attractive, effective, useful, and easily read.…

An information industry analyst suggests ways for librarians to deal with the acquisition and use of CD-ROM technology in their libraries. Practical information is provided on needs assessment, purchasing, system standards, and user access and fees, as well as sources of optical disk systems and titles. (CDD)

Describes databases available on optical disks, compares the databases with their print and online analogs, and suggests that the librarian should call such products to the attention of users needing information available in CD-ROM format. Five features desirable to most libraries are listed. (Author/CLB)