Discussion of federal information policy focuses on a study that was conducted to identify federal information/locator systems, i.e., databases that identify information resources. The development of a database containing information on the systems is described, and the concept of a governmentwide information inventory/locator system (GIILS) is…

Discusses U.S. government information policy issues related to the dissemination of information, particularly in electronic format. Policy initiatives with implications for dissemination of government information are also considered, including reauthorization of the Paperwork Reduction Act; revision of the Office of Management and Budget Circular…

Presents preliminary results of a survey that explored public library roles in the use of Internet/NREN (National Research and Education Network) services. Key issues are identified, including risks and barriers to network use, access, suggested services, professional association role, and committing resources; and recommendations to facilitate…

Reports on a study that examined the impact of national information networks, particularly the Internet and the emerging NREN (National Research and Education Network) on academic libraries. Topics addressed include academic computer services; costs; and academic library services, including electronic journals, electronic collection development,…

Describes a study commissioned by the Office of Technology Assessment that was conducted to identify innovative information technology applications, management practices, and policies to help integrate the electronic delivery of federal government services. Highlights include the information infrastructure, existing federal information policy,…

Describes a project that assessed the impact of connecting rural public libraries to the Internet and the effect on librarians, local communities, and the larger Internet community. The evaluation approach, factors critical to project success, conclusions about public libraries and the Internet, and comments on the future of networked public…

Reports on a study that assessed key issues affecting public library roles in the use of nonbibliographic Internet information services and explored possible future roles for public libraries in the National Research and Education Network (NREN). (19 references) (EA)

This preliminary study suggests that the same level of timeliness and accuracy can be obtained for answers to reference questions using resources in freely available World Wide Web sites as with traditional print-based resources. Discusses implications for library collection development, new models of consortia, training needs, and costing and…

With a decreasing federal presence, the public library must proactively develop its own presence in the National Information Infrastructure. This article examines current federal policy and new roles for libraries in ensuring connectivity, and offers recommendations for implementing both. Contains a summary of policy initiatives and strategies for…

This report describes the results of an assessment of Sailor, Maryland's Online Public Information Network, which provides statewide Internet connection to 100% of Maryland public libraries. The concept of a "statewide networked environment" includes information services, products, hardware and software, telecommunications…

This compendium is a companion document to the Maryland Sailor Online Public Information Network assessment final report, and contains detailed study findings, study data collection activity write-ups, detailed methodologies, data collection tools, and consultant notes on the uses of the study's data collection instruments. The purpose of the…

The provision of network access, resources, and services to members of the academic community is becoming an area of utmost interest and importance to academic administrators, faculty, and students. As the demand from network users grows rapidly, many network administrators are asking for resources to meet that demand; their requests are being met…

Many people in higher education are looking to networked resources and services when formulating strategies for addressing the pursuits of learning, teaching, research, and community service. Sometimes it may be difficult to determine if users are seeing the same things or the "right" things. This manual provides a set of tools for…

The Government Information Locator Service (GILS) is an innovative networked-based approach to assist users in locating government information resources. This document reports the results of an evaluation study begun in September 1996 and completed in June 1997. The goal of the study was to understand how: GILS serves various user groups; GILS…

Library/Information Science (LIS) education is facing cataclysmic change brought about by changes in the information professions. LIS education must provide education for the evolving information professions or it will become obsolete. Two central characteristics describe the status of LIS schools and their likely evolution. First is the depth and…