Networked Information: What Can We Expect and When?

Abstract

Much has been written and much is known about how digital technologies will transform the library. This article describes some of the potential inhibitors of this transformation and some steps that colleges and universities can take to overcome them. Included is information about the formation of a national coalition by the Association of Research Libraries, CAUSE, and EDUCOM -- the Coalition for Networked Information. The Coalition was formed to encourage the development of information resources on the proposed National Research and Education Network (NREN). Also included are excerpts from the statement of Paul Gherman, Director of Libraries at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, before the House Subcommittee on Science, Research, and Technology on behalf of the American Library Association and the Association of Research Libraries in support of the NREN.