National intercampus computer networks are discussed, along with six illustrative networks. Attention is focused on computer networks with significant academic usage through which special software is available to manage resources in the network. It is noted that computer networks have widespread use among academics for communication in the form of short mail type messages, reports, drafts of papers, data, programs, and requests for comments and assistance. Brief descriptions are provided of the following networks: ARPAnet, BITNET, CSNET, EDUNET, MAILNET, and USENET. It is suggested that gateways among networks offer the only reasonable technical and organizational approach to the problems inherent in the proliferation of academic networks. Examples of internetwork gateways are cited, including the close link between ARPAnet and CSNET. The following organizational problems with gateways among networks are noted: internetwork addressing standards, and internetwork pricing and charging incompatibilities. (SW)