_Current_Cites_ Volume 2, no. 4 April 1991 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 Information Transfer "Netware 3.11: Multidesktop Support Through Seamless Integration" PC Magazine 10(7) (April 16, 1991):55. Novell's latest version of its network operating system takes interoperability to new heights. It provides integration of heterogeneous desktop computing environments, allowing DOS, Microsoft Windows, OS/2, Macintosh, and Unix users to share information and resources. Netware 3.11 also supports TCP-IP and offers interconnectivity with Open Systems Interconnection (OSI). Swain, Leigh and Paula Tallim. "X.400: The Standard for Message Handling Systems" Library Hi Tech (Special Issue) 8(4) Consecutive Issue 32 (1990):43-55. X.400 is one of the first OSI application layer protocols ratified and provides for transfer of information across differing computer systems. Turner, Fay. "The Interlibrary Loan Protocol: An OSI Solution to ILL Messaging" Library Hi Tech (Special Issue) 8(4) Consecutive Issue 32 (1990):73-82. This article describes the ILL Protocol, based on the OSI Reference Model,which allows interlibrary loan requests to be sent between heterogeneous computer systems. Networks and Networking Cisler, Steve "NREN Update: More Meetings and New Tools" Database 14(2) (April 1991):96-98. Cisler reviews some of the recent events and discussions regarding the National Research and Education Network: the Coalition for Networked Information met in November, Harvard University sponsored a symposium on computers and the public sector, and the Office of Technology Assessment held a hearing to discuss access issues of the NREN. Also included is a description of Apple Computer's role in advancing the networking of computers and their users. Karraker, Roger "Highways of the Mind" Whole Earth Review 70 (Spring 1991):4-11. Karraker takes a close, and much needed, look at some of the political implications of the NREN. The four crucial questions are: Who will build the network? Who will have access to network services? Who will pay for all this? What kind of information will be allowed on the network? Karraker wants us not only to question, but also to contact our legislators on this important issue. Also provided are some resources for further information on the NREN. Lynch, Clifford A. "Information Retrieval as a Network Application." Library Hi Tech (Special Issue) 8(4) Consecutive Issue 32 (1990):57- 72. In this article Lynch describes the way the new Z39.50 electronic data protocol facilitates remote access to information resources computer networks. With the Z39.50 protocol, users can construct queries in terms of logical information elements that will be supported, or understood, by the both the local and foreign hosts, even if they run on different platforms. This interoperability is known as Open Systems Interconnectivity (OSI). Included are sidebars on the history of Z39.50 and OSI SR (Search and Retrieve), the Z39.50 Implementors Group, and the Z39.50 maintenance agency: LC, by Sally H. McCallum Mark Hinnebusch, and Paul Evan Peters, respectively. Planka, Daniela "Network Directory Services" Library Hi Tech (Special Issue) 8(4) Consecutive Issue 32 (1990): 93-103. The need for a global electronic directory of networks, users,and resources, is being addressed by the Directory (CCITT X.500/ISO 9594) international standard. The actual directory is in development now, and is expected to be "logically centralized but physically distributed." While the Planka article can be quite technical, she points out that it is important for library professionals to understand this emerging development. Optical Disk Technologies King Alan. "Room with a View: Microsoft Windows and CD-ROM" Database 14(2) (April 1991):99-101. King urges information professionals to encourage the development of sane and utilitarian user interfaces for CD-ROM products, such as Microsoft Windows 3.0 's graphical user interface (GUI). Not only would a GUI be user friendly, it would also allow for multitaskingQthe simultaneous operation of two or more programs on one computer. Nelson, Nancy Melin. "CD-ROM Growth: Unleashing the Potential" Library Journal 116(2) (February 1, 1991):51-53. Billed as a CD-ROM round-up, this article provides a concise overview of current issues and obstacles in CD-ROM implementation, including networking, search software, licensing, pricing, and standards. A sidebar contains a CD-ROM product round-up. General Gillespie, Thom. "High-Tech Libraries of TomorrowQToday" Library Journal 116(2) (February 1, 1991):46-49. This article presents six library automation projects pursued by Apple Library of Tomorrow (ALOT) grant recipients. News Bits Jacso, Peter. "Data Transfer Capabilities of CD-ROM Software Part II" CD-ROM Professional 4(2) (March 1991):61-66. See Current Cites 2(2) (February 1991). Kalseth, Karl. "Strategic Uses of Information: Challenges for the Information Services Department" ASIS Bulletin 17(1) (October/November 1990):22-23. Metka, Tonia. "OSI Product Survey" Library Hi Tech (Special Issue) 8(4) Consecutive Issue 32 (1990):137-141. This survey lists products (hardware and software) currently that support OSI. Also included are short descriptions of each item. Ra, Marsha. "The Future of Resource Sharing: Is there Any?" Computers in Libraries 11(2) (February 1991):25-26. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Cites 2(4)(April 1991) ISSN: 1060-2356 Copyright (C) 1992 by the Library, University of California, Berkeley. All rights reserved. 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------