Discussion of state information networks highlights the network entrepreneurs, state network development, the third decade of networking, and six potential issues of special concern to state library networks: decentralization, standards, linkage, technical obsolescence, security, and appropriate technology for small libraries. (EJS)

Description of the development of a computer-based resource-sharing program in Massachusetts highlights past planning efforts, development of philosophical basis of network, network activities (development and linking of bibliographic databases, document request and delivery procedures, computer literacy/training for librarians), and issues…

Representatives from wide spectrum of cooperative programs discuss issues associated with cooperative library development. Programs described include statewide projects in Colorado, Illinois, Alaska, and New York; University of California Shared Purchase Program; Hampshire Inter-Library Center; Triangle Research Libraries Network; Pacific…

Presents remarks of the Secretary of State and State Librarian of Illinois concerning the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET) which was created in 1965. Effective use of developing technology (online catalogs, interlibrary loan, automated circulation systems, collection development), anticipating changing needs of library users, and…

Reports on a study conducted by the Northern Illinois Learning Resources Cooperative to determine requirements and develop recommendations for a statewide library telecommunications network. Covers the results of a statewide needs assessment, the current status of library and educational telecommunications, trends, functional design criteria, and…

As prices for library materials rise and budgets shrink, cooperative collection development is becoming increasingly important. In light of the necessity for resource sharing, libraries are being forced to balance issues of access for local users vs. access to other libraries. OhioLINK is described as a model for cooperative collection…

Describes Virginia's statewide and community electronic resource access projects, including the Blacksburg Electronic Village, connected with Virginia Tech and the Internet; a public education network; a consortium of college and university libraries; the state library's digital initiative; and a cooperative library network. (LRW)

Explains why school libraries need to share resources and describes a number of projects that share physical, intellectual, and digital resources. Highlights include district union catalogs and integrated systems; consortia and community catalogs with public libraries; statewide union catalogs; statewide integrated systems; gateways; and statewide…

Provides examples of automation and connectivity initiatives that involve libraries in Nebraska. Highlights include the role of state government; Nebraska Online, an Internet-based information service for electronic communication; a public library cooperative automation project; a college library consortium; a library listserv; and the Nebraska…

Discusses information technology initiatives in New Mexico that involve: a consortium of agencies, businesses, universities, and government offices; dial-up Internet access; access to government information; state educational technology plans; wiring institutions of higher education; two state networks; and tribal initiatives to improve…

Describes the development of the grant-funded Oregon School Library Information System (OSLIS), a project design to provide cost-effective access to online resources in school libraries across the state. Notes that online database provides offer substantial discounts for group acquisition of their products which has prompted the development of…

OhioLINK (Ohio Library and Information Network) is transforming library and information access at 35 universities and colleges in Ohio. Document delivery, resource sharing, collection development, and reference and research database access are all undergoing rapid evolution and expansion. This model can be put into operation at other consortia.…