_Current_Cites_ Volume 3, no. 4 April 1992 Library Technology Watch Program University of California, Berkeley Edited by David F.W. Robison ISSN: 1060-2356 Contributors: Teri Rinne, Vivienne Roumani, Lisa Rowlison, Mark Takaro, Roy Tennant Electronic Publishing de Klerk, Ann "Electronic Publishing and Networking '92" College & Research Libraries News. 53(3) (March 1992):181-182. A brief article highlighting the goings on at this first annual conference sponsored in part by Meckler Publishing, Inc. Issues of copyright, marketing, and pricing were among the topics addressed at the conference by such speakers as: Mitchell Kapor, founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Pat Morgan of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, and Karen Hunter of Elsevier. - LR Dannelly, Gay N. "Publishing E-Journals: Publishing, Archiving, and Access" posted on VPIEJ-L@VTVM1.BITNET (Thursday April 2, 1992). Dannelly, Chair of the Collection Development Officers for the Committee for Institutional Cooperation (CIC) announces a new and interesting project to establish a cooperative e-journal archive based on the collections of CIC's members (The Big Ten, the University of Chicago, Penn State and the University of Illinois, Chicago). Dannelly will post updates to the list as the project progresses. - LR Bailey, Charles W., Jr. "Networked-based Electronic Serials" Information Technology and Libraries 11(1) (March 1992):29-35. The revolution of electronic publishing has created both opportunities and difficult questions for librarians interested in providing access to electronic serials. Mr. Bailey points out several problems of providing access to serial materials which are available only via commercial electronic information systems (e.g. preservation, cost, availability, etc.). While these problems are quite real, the most significant opportunities in electronic publishing may very well reside within the non-commercial international computer networks. And while much of the information currently published on the net still mimics the paper equivalent, he foresees a move toward complex multimedia information systems, and hence different publishing "packages" than those currently used. Mr. Bailey considers the question of whether electronic conferences could be construed as serials. His conclusion is, appropriately, inconclusive, "Are they serials? Quite possibly." [Quite possibly they are beasts of a new kind, not yet defined nor treated by current cataloging standards. -lr] In considering the future of electronic serials, Mr. Bailey identifies 12 pressing problems which still need to be overcome (regarding storage, archiving, intellectual property laws, indexing, etc.). The article ends with an stirring call to action on the behalf of networked-based electronic serials. - LR Expert Systems and Artificial Intelligence Ridley, M.J. "An Expert System for Quality Control and Duplicate Detection in Bibliographic Databases" Program: Automated Library and Information Systems 26(1) (Jan 1992):1-18. QUALCAT (Quality Control in Cataloging) is the name given to a project at the University of Bradford which uses an expert system to relieve the catalog of duplicate monographic records. First, records (in UKMARC format) are transferred into a relational database and the records are compared to determine whether there are duplicates (given the variation in record quality and cataloging style, this is no trivial task); once duplicates are identified the system tests for record quality and identifies (based on defined criteria) the catalog's best record for the title. - LR Hyper- and Multimedia Electronics 65(3) (March 1992). A trio of articles from this business- oriented journal address some of the obstacles that thwart the progress of multimedia development: o Curran, Lawrence "A Glut of Standards Slows Multimedia" pp. 34-35. Curran presents the standards debate as another of multimedia's obstacles to full consumer acceptance. Activities of the Interactive Multimedia Association (IMA), the Multimedia PC Marketing Council and others seeking cross-platform compatibility that could potentially simplify the proliferation of industry standards in multimedia. o Shandle, Jack "Chip Makers Take Aim at Multimedia Market" p. 36. This article looks at developments in microprocessor functionality that address multimedia applications.. By advancing multimedia hardware development, vendors can cultivate the field for software developments built on improved microprocessor capabilities. o -- "Multimedia's New Motto: Partner to Profit" pp. 30-32. Shandle reviews some of the new partnerships between multimedia vendors. The Microsoft/Tandy Multimedia PC consortium faces the Kaleida alliance of IBM and Apple in a battle for the buying public that could yield improved multimedia consumer products. - MT Ito, Russell "QuickTime in Action" MacUser 8(5) (May 1992):84- 92. Desktop video and multimedia authoring are among the many contributions that QuickTime makes to the Mac user. Carrying forward Apple's pilot/passenger metaphor, the QuickTime capabilities for each are spelled out in detail with future plans outlined for presently missing capabilities such as spreadsheet integration. Equipment needs and limitations of the current release are also described. - MT Kawasaki, Guy "Let the QuickTimes Roll" MacUser 8(5) (May 1992): 25-26. In a forthright critique of the fad of multimedia, Kawasaki raises important concerns about why multimedia may be over-hyped. Rather than being seen as a solution in search of a problem, multimedia must emerge as a tool that can be used to address a variety of needs if it is to grow into its full potential. Suggestions that could improve the viability of multimedia deserve a closer look by vendors who hope to create lasting products. - MT Luskin, Bernard J. "Designing Interactive Media: Sizzleware in CD-I" CD-ROM Professional 5(2) (March 1992):93-95. Analysis of multimedia design principles with reference to CD-I capabilities. User learning curves, issues of cognitive science and hardware are briefly discussed. - MT Yager, Tom "Practical Desktop Video" BYTE 17(4) (April 1992):106-114. The first of a four-part series from the BYTE Multimedia Lab on how to put multimedia to work, this article features a multi-platform evaluation of desktop video production. The integration of video with text, graphics and audio still relies on specialized hardware and software combinations, but improvements in desktop video continue to fill in the huge gap between broadcast quality video and home movies. A comparison weighing quality and ease-of-use illustrates the area where future improvements will be made in the field. - MT Information Transfer Casorso, Tracy "NCSU Transmission Project" posted on ILL-L@UVMVM.Bitnet (6 April 1992). Casorso reports on an ongoing research and demonstration initiative involving the NCSU Libraries and Computing Center and the National Agricultural Library investigating the transmission of documents across electronic networks directly to the researcher's computer. The preliminary findings indicate that the technology is feasible but that "the research library community is not as well prepared to investigate networking issues as one might expect and that Internet reliability is questionable." - VR Lynch, Clifford A. "Text Encoding Initiative: Summary Progress Report" ASIS Bulletin 18(3) (February/March 1992):21-22. As reflected by the title, this is a summary progress report. The Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) will be producing a revised copy of its "Guidelines for the Encoding and Interchange of Machine Readable Texts." Lynch explains that these guidelines are intended to suggest standards for entering texts into electronic form, exchanging them, and sharing analyses of these texts. These guidelines are intended for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. - VR Stigleman, Sue "Bibliography Formatting Software: A Buying Guide" Database 15(1) (February 1992):15-27. Stigleman reviews various personal file management software packages, including Pro-Cite, Artfile, Notebook. - VR Networks and Networking Cisler, Steve "Computers, Freedom, and Privacy-2: A Report" posted in 4 parts on PACS-L@UHUPVM1.Bitnet (April 7, 1992). This 17 page report covers the goings-on at the 2nd annual conference sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery and 13 co-sponsors. Cisler describes this as one of the best conferences he has ever attended, covering such varied topics as, "Freedom in Cyberspace," "Ethics, Morality, and Criminality," "Electronic Money," "Free Speech and the Public Telephone Network." - DR Coalition for Networked Information Spring 1992 Meeting of the Task Force: Summary Report. Available in numerous formats (prepared by Joan Lippincott) via anonymous ftp at ftp.cni.org in directory /CNI/tf.meetings/1992a.spring. Find out what was covered at the most recent CNI meeting. Topics included "Network Navigating and Navigators," "Networked Information Professionals," and "NREN Public Policy Framework." - DR Electronic Frontier Foundation "Report to the Net: The State of the EFF Open Platform Initiative" EFFector ONline 2(6) (March 31, 1992):[3-7]. The EFF reports on its progress in ensuring that the Net is open to all, closed to none. The EFF proposes the speedy implementation of narrowband ISDN (a low- cost digital network platform) "as the platform of choice to begin building a National Public Information Network...." See the April 17th issue for a report from EFF's ISDN Lab. - DR Godwin, Mike "Reach Out and Tap Someone?: An Editorial" EFFector ONline 2(8) (April 17, 1992):[1-3]. Find out why the EFF, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility, the ACLU, IBM, and others are joining forces to stop the FBI and the Department of Justice from gaining access to encryption keys used for data security. - DR Ladner, Sharyn J. and Hope N. Tillman "How Special Librarians Really Use the Internet" posted in 3 parts on PACS-L@UHUPVM1.bitnet (April 1, 1992). Ladner and Hope conducted a survey of librarians to find out how they use the net, and how valuable they find it. The results of this study are interesting, and not just for special librarians. This is the first study of its kind that we've seen. - DR Love, James P. "Owens Bill Fact Sheet" posted on PACS-L@UHUPVM1.bitnet (April 17, 1992). Love, the director of the Taxpayer Assets Project, has distributed the Project's Fact Sheet on HR 3459, RThe Improvement of Information Access Act.S The bill mandates federal agencies to disseminate federal information on the network in a standardized fashion. The fact sheet provides some details of the bill, "What you can do," and information on two related bills: GPO WINDO and the Freedom of Information Act II. - DR Peters, Paul Evan "CNI _Call for Project Descriptions_" posted on PACS- L@UHUPVM1.bitnet (March 31, 1992). Peters, the Director of the Coalition for Networked Information, has issued a call for project descriptions to those of us who are interested in working on the issue of "how networked information resources and services are being used to improve teaching and learning." If you are interested in this project, you can join the Coalition in its work. - DR "Questions and Answers with Jane Ryland and Peter Young" Information Technology and Libraries 11(1) (March 1992):51-54. Jane Ryland, President of CAUSE, and Peter Young, Executive Director of the US National Commision on Libraries and Information Sciences, answer astute questions about the role of libraries and education in the ongoing development of the NREN. - DR Shandle, Jack "Can Data Superhighways put the U.S. in High Gear?" Electronics 65(2) (February 1992):40-42. Shandle provides some insight into how the electronics/computer industry views the NREN, and which companies are poised to jump in the fray. Included are two sidebars, "Processing is the Bottleneck" and "Japan Lags, But Maybe Not for Long." - DR Optical Disc Technologies Au, Ka-Neng "Hardware Options: From LANs to WANs" CD-ROM Librarian 7(3) (March 1992):12-17. As the title suggests, this article reviews the plethora of CD-ROM networking configurations currently available, each suited to a particular environment. "The question today," writes Au, "becomes 'What network?' rather than 'Why network?'" - TR Berry, John "CD-ROM: The Medium of the Moment" Library Journal 117(2) (February 1, 1992):45-47. This eye-opening survey conducted by Cahners Research for LJ shows just how firmly CD-ROM technology has entrenched itself in libraries of all types. CD-ROM databases have become more popular than their online counterparts in the majority of the 608 libraries surveyed. Public libraries projected the largest average expenditure on CD-ROM software in fiscal year 1991-92 (Public: $13,533; Academic: $10,519; Special: $8,162). - TR LaGuardia, Cheryl and Chuck Huber "Digital Dreams: A CD-ROM Users' Wish List" Library Journal 117(2) (February 1, 1992):40-43. After installing nearly 80 CD-ROM databases running on 20 different software packages, LaGuardia and Huber have compiled an intelligent and entertaining list of pet-peeves and suggestions that CD-ROM vendors should heed. Their wish list runs the gamut, including pricing, installation, interface, documentation and support issues. -TR O'Connor, Mary Ann "Emerging Standards for CD-ROM Development" CD-ROM Professional 5(2) (March 1992):135-137. Citing the establishment of standards as the single largest contributor to the success of CD-ROM technology, O'Connor provides an overview of the status of current CD-ROM standards discussions, proposals and activities. - TR VonVille, Helena M. and Bruce A. Weaver "Downloading From CD-ROM: A Preliminary Survey" CD-ROM Professional 5(2) (March 1992):48-49. This article presents the results of an informal survey conducted by a task force appointed by the Ohio State University Libraries regarding downloading data from CD-ROM workstations. Although downloading is one avenue libraries can explore in an effort to reduce the recurring costs of CD-ROM printing, few of the libraries surveyed actively encourage or advertise its availability as an option...yet. - TR General Category Postman, Neil. Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology. New York: Knopf, 1992. While Postman takes shots at technology, he has not written a diatribe against it. Taking a long view of technology and its effects on culture through the ages though, the author argues that "the accusation can be made that the uncontrolled growth of technology destroys the vital sources of our humanity." - DR Saunders, Laverna M. "The Virtual Library Today" Library Administration & Management 6(2) (Spring 1992):66-70. This article looks at where the library community stands in the realization of the virtual library. Ms. Saunders identifies several projects which have furthered the community toward the goal of a virtual library (e.g. project Ariel, which allows for high quality images to be scanned and transmitted for document delivery; the transparent gateway connections which many OPACs now provide, such as the MELVYL system; access to full-text databases, etc.). She also describes several pilot projects which are currently shaping the future of the electronic library. She asks several important questions which will prove crucial to the implementation of a virtual library: what mixture of paper and electronic sources is appropriate? How do we ensure that information stored electronically will be preserved? Furthermore, the need to train naive users in the use of technology and about the available information sources is identified. The article concludes with short descriptions of the agenda for the Coalition for Networked Information and of the National Research and Education Network. - LR ------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Cites 3(4)(April 1992) ISSN: 1060-2356 Copyright (C) 1992 by the Library, University of California, Berkeley. All rights reserved. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Mention of a product in this publication does not necessarily imply endorsement of the product. Copying is permitted for noncommercial use by computerized bulletin board/conference systems, individual scholars, and libraries. Libraries are authorized to add the journal to their collections at no cost. This message must appear on copied material. All commercial use requires permission from the editor, who may be reached in the following ways: drobison@library.berkeley.edu // drobison@ucblibra // (510)642-7600 -------------------------------------------------------------------