This book provides an overview and status report on the progress made in developing the National Research and Education Network (NREN) as of early 1991. It reports on a number of investigations that provide a research and policy perspective on the NREN and computer-mediated communication (CMC), and brings together key source documents that have directed the development of the NREN. An introduction to basic concepts and developments in national networking is provided in the first of nine chapters. The second chapter, "Development of the National Research and Education Network," reviews documents and policy issues related to the creation of the NREN, including government documents, Congressional hearings, pending legislation, and articles focusing on the design, development, implementation, and use of the NREN. The third chapter, "NREN Benefits, Problems, and Policy Issues: Views from the Literature," reviews proposed benefits, possible problems, and policy implications identified from the literature. The fourth chapter, "Research on Computer-Mediated Communication and Its Significance for the NREN," discusses current research on CMC and electronic networks. Chapter 5, "Electronic Networks and Science," focuses on the impacts of electronic networks on the scientific enterprise and on the individual researcher. The sixth chapter, "Impact of Networks on Research: Results from an Empirical Study," describes a study of high-speed electronic networks on scientific communication. The seventh chapter, "Scientific Norms and the Use of Electronic Research Networks," discusses the relationships among scientific norms, researchers' network behavior and attitudes, and the development of the NREN. The eighth chapter, "User Perspectives on Electronic Networks," reports the views and comments of network users. The final chapter, "Issues, Recommendations, and Prospects," offers a review of the key social and behavioral issues likely to affect the NREN. An extensive bibliography and information on the authors precede the 18 appendices, which include key reports, proposed legislation, a glossary, and other source materials. (DB)