The rise of digital repositories is helping libraries reinvent themselves. The benefits to libraries and universities creating institutional repositories (IRs) are great as libraries restructure, pursue collaborations, and re-position themselves to become major digital publishers and broadcasters in the scholarly world. They will no longer be…

This publication introduces electronic document imaging systems and provides guidance for local governments in New York in deciding whether such systems should be adopted for their own records and information management purposes. It advises local governments on how to develop plans for using such technology by discussing its advantages and…

The rapid growth and distribution of scholarly research in the middle and late twentieth century, the limited supply of old books and other paper-based materials, and the deterioration of items printed on acidic paper since the mid-1800s have meant that many libraries lack suitable copies of printed sources that their users would like to read. For…

The literature on information literacy often assumes that there is an inherent link between the need for information literacy and what is commonly referred to as the information explosion. This assumed link is reflected in programs of information literacy instruction offered by academic libraries. This article argues that the basic concepts of…

Simply an idea for systematic incentives at all institutional levels necessary to implement institutional archiving of peer-reviewed papers produced by their faculty. Some of the key concerns are addressed outlining the roles of senior faculty, junior faculty, librarians and others in fulfilling what should be an administrative imperative in all…

Discusses the user benefits of write-once optical storage devices; describes typical applications in archival storage, one-off complex instruction sets, and information storage and retrieval systems; and identifies current trends toward standardization of equipment. (CLB)

This publication discusses optical storage, a term encompassing technologies that use laser-produced light to record and store information in digital form. The booklet also discusses how optical storage systems relate to records management, in particular to the management of local government records in New York State. It describes components of…

Seven experts in system planning offer their views on how optical disk systems will affect library participation in online networks, and discuss opportunities presented by these new products. (CLB)

Discusses the role of the National Library of Australia in ensuring significant Australian resources in online form are collected, archived, and available for use in the long-term. Focuses on protecting resources from sudden loss by placing them in a safe place, a digital archive, where they can be stored, accessed, and managed. (Author/LRW)

Discusses a shift in focus of archives from storage to access, which changes the views of archival thinking. Topics include the paradigm shift to access, including a new user orientation; access and preservation; appraisal; intrinsic value; archival theory; and relevance for electronic records. (LRW)

S. R. Ranganathan's five laws of library science, originally published in 1931, provide the basis for reflections on current trends in academic libraries.

Electronic portfolios offer an alternative to grades and standardized tests because they store work compactly, accommodate a variety of media, and are easily accessible. This article examines storage methods: diskettes, Zip, Syquest, and Jaz drives; compact disk recordable (CD-R); local area networks (LAN); audio and videotapes and discusses…

The European Patent Office (EPO) has recently implemented the last part of its ambitious automation project aimed at creating an automated search environment for approximately 1200 EPO patent search examiners. The examiners now have at their disposal an integrated set of tools offering a full range of functionalities from online searching, via…

Two major trends in eLearning are the shift from presentational towards activating learning objects and the shift from proprietary towards SCORM conformant delivery systems. In a large program on the design, development and use of digital learning material for food and biotechnology in higher education, a large amount of experience has been gained…

Discusses a photograph conservation seminar held in August 1996 and co-sponsored by the Rochester Institute of Technology and the George Eastman House (Rochester, New York). Highlights include assessing and improving storage conditions; possibilities of digital reconstruction; digital cameras; cataloging; and access, especially with CD-ROMs and…