Explores library consortia in the United States with particular focus on academic libraries. Highlights include the history of early consortia; economic issues, including sharing resources and cost savings; types of consortia, including regional, statewide, and those with a focus on automation; and groups of consortia. (Author/LRW)

Explores the possibility of using Web contact center software to offer reference assistance to remote users. Discusses a project by the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System/Santiago Library System consortium to test contact center software and to develop a virtual reference network. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of efforts in Canada to support print disabled users focuses on the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Library's national network (VISUNET: CANADA) that supports the premise of a virtual library. Describes international collaborative efforts among libraries to better serve print disabled users. (LRW)

Information on library networks that was included in a survey conducted by the Center for Education Statistics--the "Survey of Library Networks and Cooperative Library Organizations: 1985-1986"--indicates that there were 760 library networks at that time, with aggregate library membership estimated to be 76,280. Over three-fourths of the networks…

This examination of the problems and opportunities of system organization from the viewpoint of public libraries provides a perspective on the growth of library networks, their administration, and the pressures that opposed their development in the 1970's. It identifies the requirements for their further development, and looks at the need for new…

The current trend in biomedical information systems is to decentralization. Starting with the Medical Library Assistance Act of 1965, various plans of organization have been tried for improving the national diffusion of medical information. In 1968 the John Crerar Library became the Midwest Regional Medical Library, serving as an intermediary…

The program planning phase to improve service programs includes the recommendations that the Trustees of the James Jerome Hill Reference Library: (1) commit the physical facilities and administrative organization to serve as headquarters for the cooperative program of academic libraries, specifically the Cooperating Libraries in Consortium, Inc.…

A survey of interlibrary cooperative projects engaging libraries and librarians in the Baltimore - Washington metropolitan area that could be identified during the winter and spring months of 1970-71 are presented. Cooperative projects discussed included: (1) Union Lists such as the "Journal Holdings in the Washington - Baltimore area,"…

Discussion of role of school library media centers (SLMCs) in multitype library networks notes five basic factors that contribute to their exclusion from library networks: psychological, political and legal, funding, communication, and planning. Examples of programs attempting to reduce barriers to school participation in library networks are…

The director of the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) provides historical perspective on CRL's development and discusses issues that have triggered debate on its objectives, programs, fees, and membership categories. Reactions to CRL by seven directors of research libraries, both members and nonmembers of CRL, are presented. (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…

This updated edition covers all aspects of library technical services--from acquisitions to managing the cataloging department--with new emphasis on automation as it affects technical services work and those skills that can be developed through work experience or classroom instruction. Part One, General Background, consists of four chapters that…

This paper outlines the challenges that CEE (Central and Eastern European) librarians have met and some of their solutions. The introduction presents two examples of guidelines for the licensing of electronic information: the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Instructions) licensing principles and the TECUP (Testbed…

The Research Libraries Group is expanding its mission to include alliances with the archival community, the museum community, independent research libraries, and learned societies. Areas of emphasis include collections and information delivery, protecting materials, and assisting in development of computer systems. (DB)

Reviews the history of library consortia, examines present activities, and considers future possibilities. Topics include consortium and cooperation; academic consortia; library automation and the development of library consortia; consortia with other countries; and electronic libraries. Tables include library consortia establishment, institutions…