Provides information on commercial connections to the Internet via gateways as opposed to direct connection or through a modem. Hardware and software requirements are described; and commercial online services offering an Internet gateway are discussed, including America Online, CompuServe, Delphi, GEnie, and Prodigy. (LRW)

Examines the relationships between purchases of optical data disk products, publishers, and software suppliers. The discussion covers current pricing strategies for optical data disk software and information products, and possible future developments in marketing and pricing. (CLB)

Discusses online searching with the new 9600 baud rate and describes test searches on the BRS, Data-Star, LEXIS, and Dow Jones databases through three packet-switching networks: US Sprint, MEADNET, and TYMNET. Hardware and software are described, data communications equipment standards are discussed, and the impact of higher baud rates on pricing…

Presents the history of the Internet with specific emphasis on Mosaic; discusses hypertext and hypermedia information; and describes software and hardware requirements. Sidebars include information on the National Center for Super Computing Applications (NCSA); World Wide Web browsers for use in Windows, Macintosh, and X-Windows (UNIX); and…

This introduction to Database's annual review issue highlights trends covered in the 1991-93 reviews; lists 13 trends described as a continuation of the trends of the past 2 or 3 years; and discusses the World Wide Web and America Online's innovative development of a database that combines text, images, sound, and commentary. (KRN)

Describes and compares three versions of the ERIC database that are available on optical data disks: (1) DIALOG OnDisc ERIC; (2) OCLC Search CD450; and (3) SilverPlatter ERIC. The database contents, software and search commands, hardware requirements, notable features, and costs of each version are discussed. (CLB)

Discusses privacy concerns relating to electronic information media. European privacy initiatives from the European Community are described, including personal data protection, impact on the online industry, and telecommunications privacy; and activities in the United States are examined, including telephone caller privacy, electronic mail…

Discusses the integration of CD-ROMs with online service producers. Highlights include publishing; LucasFilm's Habitat project; programs through Prodigy, CompuServe, America Online, and Philips Media; hybrid links to Internet sites; multiplayer games; virtual chat with avatars; and problems, including CD-ROM's slowness, download time, storage…

Reviews opportunities and market strategies for doing business on the Internet for businesses and customers in the information industry, and discusses uses of the Internet in the library and education field. Topics include: merchandising online electronic publishing; book sales; newspaper and periodical publishing; and selling products, computer…

Describes computer-based software and network systems for application to serials and government publications. General and specific functional requirements (hardware, software, file structure) are discussed, and descriptive information about commercially available serials control systems and a list of distributors are provided. (CLB)

This digest discusses several aspects of electronic networking, including network functions, implementation, and applications in education. Electronic networking is defined as including the four basic services of electronic mail (E-mail), electronic "bulletin boards," teleconferencing, and online databases, and an overview of these four…

Explores the future of library automation from the perspective of online vendors. The discussions cover CD-ROM, online catalog, and gateway technologies, together with such issues as standards, cooperation, and cost effectiveness. The emphasis is on problems that must be conquered if these technologies are to reach their potential. (CLB)

Discusses client-server architecture in dumb terminals, personal computers, local area networks, and graphical user interfaces. Focuses on functions offered by client personal computers: individualized environments; flexibility in running operating systems; advanced operating system features; multiuser environments; and centralized data…

This digest presents a reprint of an article which examines management principles that should be considered when implementing library end user searching programs. A brief discussion of specific implementation issues includes needs assessment, hardware, software, training, budgeting, what systems to offer, publicity and marketing, policies and…

Presents a planning model for the automation of operations in a large hospital library and specifically describes the design and implementation of a local area network. Part 1 deals with the evolution of the idea, system planning, and design, and Part 2 addresses installation and implementation issues. (EM)