Detailed profiles and comparisons of European databanks being marketed in the United States include marketing strategies, subject content, number and types of databases offered, cost information, value added services, and more. Users' views of the viability, ease of use, and strengths and weaknesses of European databases are presented. (CLB)

Discusses the difficulty of managing rapidly changing and expanding information technologies. A conceptual matrix for managing technology-related variables is presented, and examples of using the matrix for decision making are given. The resulting improvements in communications, systems integration, and strategic planning are discussed, as well as…

Comparison of the use in libraries of open systems--a configuration of software and hardware components from separate vendors linked by interfaces--and integrated systems considers selection of services; reliability; relationships with vendors; time needed to implement systems; and overall effectiveness of both approaches. (CLB)

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)

This report was commissioned in response to concerns expressed about the gap between institutional digital library initiatives and the products offered by library systems vendors. The study analyzes from the perspective of libraries the strategies, visions, and products that vendors of integrated library systems are offering as solutions. Case…

While libraries, book and periodical vendors, system providers, and bibliographical utilities are collaborating to move scholarly information from origin to public access more quickly, scholarly publishers, particularly university presses, have been slow to join in. Discusses aspects of the publisher/vendor relationship: library/vendor…

With the advent of CD-ROMs, libraries began to limit online searching via DIALOG. To increase DIALOG's market share, Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries (CARL) Corporation is developing graphical user interfaces using World Wide Web and Windows technology and has reached agreements with Knight Ridder Information and with most of their database…

Higher education will need network services beyond those currently available from Internet providers if the virtual university is to become reality. A group of network leaders has determined that by the year 2000, higher education will require an Internet that can support desktop and room-based teleconferencing, support high-volume video, and…

It is proposed that online searching of fee-based search services offers institutional advancement professionals an efficient and often cost-effective method for researching donor prospects. Strategies for streamlining in-house online searching and for using vendor services effectively are outlined, and a number of databases and other useful…

Two articles describe the experiences of Loyola University of Chicago and Texas A&M libraries with locally mounted online databases under the same user interface as the online catalog. The Multiple Database Access System (MDAS) offered by NOTIS is explained, its impact on the libraries is described, and student and faculty reactions are…

Describes the competitive bidding process used by California State University to successfully procure integrated library systems for 5 of its 19 campuses during 1 fiscal year. The procurements demonstrated that competitive bidding not only reduces overall cost of library systems, but also allows the buyer to achieve favorable contract provisions.…

Reports the results of a survey of 1,003 libraries that examined the current use of and plans to purchase integrated library systems. Factors discussed include hardware currently installed, upgrading of old systems, plans to purchase hardware, current and desired functions, vendors, purchase of microcomputers, and automation budgets. (CLB)

The practical advice for the evaluation of laser/optical data disk materials (e.g., CD-ROM) is based on a review of the relevant literature. An evaluation framework is outlined and collection development tools and sources of published reviews are identified. (34 references) (Author/CLB)

Discusses changes in the Internet that allow users easier access to multimedia materials. Topics include the client-server relationship; Internet Protocol; World Wide Web; commercial online services and Web access; Internet publishing; educational collaborations among classrooms, businesses, and research institutions; and examples from Virginia's…

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…