Global aspects of resource sharing: The library's vital role of information transmission

Not a single library can satisfy all its readers' needs with its physical collections and services, increased emphasis is placed on cooperation or resource sharing among libraries. In addition, more and more information are being produced and distributed, not only in print forms, but in electronic formats as well, with multiple paths of access to this information. The increasing creation, storage, and transmission of information in electronic formats will enlarge and transform the library services nowadays. Facing this challenges, libraries in the 21st century should be able to serve as a gateway to national and international inforrnation resources.

The paper discusses several aspects of resource sharing: its development, types, participants and current development in Taiwan. The emphasis is placed on the computerised resource sharing through information network. The four channels of resource sharing: interactive message, E-mail, file transfer and remote login, are also briefly mentioned. Six reasons for library to provide access to academic networks are justified. Besides, the paper explores the prospects and directions of resource sharing activity thoroughly.

Three stages in resource sharing

Manual operation system

Traditional information network

Open information network

The most renowned open information network in the library services is the Linked System Project (LSP). This project first united the Library of Congress, RLIN, WLN and OCLC to develop and exchange authority file records. As of Sept. 1989, there are twenty two bibliographical systems in the United State joined in this online project. (Note 1).

In 1969, ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) developed by the US Department of Defence, started to operate experimentally and successfully connected computer systems in various organisations, including military, universities and research units. This experience led to the booming of open information network. By the 1990s, libraries not only continued their traditional networking services, but also became highly dependent on the open information networks.

Academic network, an open system, is the mainframe to mainframe connection among institutions, government agencies and private research sectors, and this enablesusers or participants to use the network to access the online services. The network configuration includes from the small scale local area network to the large scale national or international network. To use gateway functions, users of different networks can also communicate with others.

Current resource sharing in Taiwan

Internationally, libraries of Tamkang University, Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, National Central Library, National Taiwan University are using OCLC's services. However, limited by the costly charge of international telecommunications link, libraries in Taiwan use OCLC chicfly as a problem solving aid, not as a primary cataloguing tool.

In 1987, The Ministry of Education introduced BITNET (Because It's Time Network), one of the international academic networks, to the academic and research institutions in Taiwan. Through BITNET, they are able to connect their mainframes with computers worldwide. In 1988, Tamkang University library linked BITNET, and from then on it was playing an important role in the library services. This article is mainly to describe, upon three year's experiences and observations, the impact of the BITNET performance on information resource sharing, especially for the following three areas: participants, types and avenues of resource sharing.

Participants of resource sharing

1. Libraries and information agencies;

2. Computer networks and their nodes; and

3. Users of the computer networks.

Because of the broad scope the network covers, there are no accurate statistics on its membership so far. Up to now there are about 2,000 networks that can be communicate to one another, (Note 2) and hundreds of thousands of nodes within each network; e.g., BITNET has now over 3,000 nodes. (Note 3) There is also no comprehensive directory of participants available for public use. The information Centre of the U.S. Department of Defence (NIC.DDN.MIL) has established a database, a list of the related information network participants, to provide the public for online search.(Note 4) To locate the nodes included in each network can be found out in network directories. Nodes covered in BITNET, for instance, are stored in the BITEARN database.

Types of resource sharing

Traditional library materials, indicating non computerised resources, such as monographs and periodicals, still constitute the majority of the interlibrary loan workloads, processed through manual operated and traditional information networks. However, nowadays, academic networks have already been one of the best channels for acquiring library materials, as well as for human resource sharing. The electronic forums, providing groups discussions about the transactions of interlibrary loan such as ILL-L in BITNET, and LIS-ILL in JANET Join Academic Network, UK), are good examples.

From the contents of the lists of library oriented discussion groups on BITNET, JANET and Internet the discussion of human resources sharing has gone beyond the cataloguing area to include other operational personnel as well. Among them are: NOTISACQ on acquisition; AUTOCAT on cataloguing; LIBREF-L on reference service; ILL-L on interlibrary loan; BI-L on bibliographic instruction; CIRCPLUS on circulation; GOVDOC-L on government publications; CDROM-L on CD-ROM and PACS-L on public access computer systems. Topics related to various types of libraries include: ARLIS-L on art libraries; BUSLIB-L on business libraries; MLA-L on music libraries and LAW-L on law libraries. Furthermore, there are several topics mainly discussed on the library automated systems, such as ATLAS-L, INNOPAC, NOTIS-L, GEAC-L, BRS, etc.

Computerized information resources are probably the richest resources the academic networks can possibly provide, namely, online catalogue, information retrieval (JR) system, bulletin board system, electronic text, computer software and others, which are provided mostly by the research libraries and institutions.

1. Online Catalogue

1. Internet Library: Compiled by University of New Mexico. It covers online catalogues, campus information systems, and other IR systems from hundreds of libraries in U.S., Mexico, Australia, Germany, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Switzerland, etc.(Note 5)

2. UNT's Accessing Online Bibliographic Databases: Compiled by Northern Texas University. It covers a list of the U.S. and British libraries' online catalogues. (Note 6)

3. OPACs in the UK: Compiled by Sussex University. It covers the catalogues of sixty-one British libraries and the application instructions of JANET, DG (International X.25 Infrastructure) and Internet.(Note 7)

2. Information Retrieval (IR) System

3. Bulletin Board System

4. Electronic Text

5. Computer Software

6. Others

The charge items for a fee based information system consist of a communication fee and a database search fee. In order to reduce the cost of communication channel, some systems including bibliographic utilities started to provide remote login functions, via academic networks, for users to go online. Those systems include RLIN (IP address, RLG.STANFORD.EDU), (Note 13) OCLC EPIC (IP address, EPIC.PROD.OCLC.ORG), (Note 14) and the law database, LE)US. (Note 15) Users can save a considerable amount of communication fees by going online via academic networks, and that is also a breakthrough for the information retrieval service that libraries can provide.

(2) Integrated Service in Hardware, Software and Peopleware

One of the most important advantages of academic networks is that users can get together exploring answers for the problems or questions they meet. For example, many networks use functions of anonymous FTP to provide electronic texts and programs for users without charge. Since there is no password restriction for using anonymous FTP, it is actually open to everybody. Many valuable research reports and literature can be acquired by anonymous FTP. At the present stage, however, users of BITNET cannot execute the FTP function, thus, these free information resources are really unaccessable for them. In view of this situation, Princeton University took action in developing a mail interface to allow BITNET users to FTP files from sites on the Internet. The address is <BITFTP@PUCC>. Users can send email containing their commands to that address to acquire the documents they need.

(3) Redistributed Service

For those networks that are not able to connect to each other, there is a redistributing service for them. A newsgroup, on the USENET, called SCC (Soc.culture.China), for instance, has been established as an effort to promote communications and understandings among Chinese students and scholars who are interested in China affairs and problems, a voluntary redistributing service now stationed in Waterloo University, which is one of the BITNET sites that carries USENET newsgroups. Waterloo loads news from USENET and stores them in files and sends them to the users at BITNET. In this case, users at BITNET can also share resources available in USENET.

Avenues of resource sharing

Interactive message

Interactive message, a simultaneous correspondence among the computer networks located in geographically distant sites, is the easiest way for issuing command to acquire electronic texts programs.

Electronic mail (or E-mail)

E-mail is widely used in transferring and processing large amount of message fast once the mailing list is set up. Currently E-mail is highly used for transmitting not only messages but also electronic documents.

File transfer

It functions similarly to e-mail, but it is used mainly in transferring electronic documents, programs, etc.

Remote login

Remote login can be used in searching databases or files, as well as executing the various software packages from the computers located in the distant sites. The recently opened online catalogues, IR systems or other files provided by major libraries are done through this channel. The major communication protocol now available is TCP/IP, which provides two important functions of remote login for telnet and file transfer for FTP.

Reasons for library connecting to academic networks

1. Centralising of resources enable the users to save time. Data of academic networks are scatteringly stored among their nodes. The user has to find out their locations before he/she can use it. The library can save users a considerable amount of time by acquiring these resources and putting them in one place.

2. Simplifying information retrieval methods. Different application software used in the network require different commands to retrieve information, which usually causes confusion to users in communication with the systems. To simplify the processing of searching information from the networks, a practice could be carried out by library to collect those electronic documents and provide utilisation in one system. The following are four examples of commands in e-mail to retrieve information from different networks:

   Example 1. To get data file from <Listserv@BITNIC> in BITNET

   get listdb memo

   where (get ) is the command in retrieving file, (listdb) is the file name and (memo) is the file type.

   Example 2. To get data file from <info-server@SH.CS.NET> in CSNET

   REQUEST: NSFNET (Preceded by <REQUEST:> specifying directory name.)

   TOPIC: HGI

   TOPIC: LINK-LETTER-15 .(Preceded by <TOPIC:> specifying file name)

   TOPIC: REPORT-8908

   Example 3. To get data file from cmailbase@NEWCASTLE.AC.UK> in JANET.

   get lis-info internet-opacs.intro

   where (get) is the command in retrieving file. (lis-info) is the directory name. (internet-opacs.intro) is the file name.

   Example 4. To get data file in <mail-server@PITmanager.mit.edu>

   send USENET/news.announce.newusers/answer-to-frequently-asked-questions

   where (send) is the command in retrieving file, (USENET/news.announce.newusers) is the directory name, (answer-to-frequently-asked-questions) is the file name.

3. Enabling users to utilise the resources fully. Usually the academic networks do not charge to users. However, each network has set up its own rules to eliminate the searching traffic. For example, in BITNET Listserv, each node will limit remote users to 256k bytes per day in retrieving information, which apparently are inconvenient for users doing research work. Libraries therefore, should collect those materials systematically and periodically for as a part of library collections from the networks and provide easily access and utilise the resources to their patrons.

4. Effective use of academic network resources. Computer networks are an efficient communication channel open to individuals. However, they still need to be planned effectively in order to make the most use of it. For instance, on one occasion when it was introduced in a seminar that there are over a thousand RFC files can be retrieved from <NIS.NSF.NET>, too many users in the Taiwan area linked these files at the same time, causing the network to be jammed, and even affecting the operations of other functions. the Computer Centre of the Ministry of Education has to announce that RFC data files are stored in the Listserv, and that user should avoid searching directly from abroad.

5. Some resources in the academic networks are no longer published in print format. Because of convenience of the academic networks in publishing and transferring information, many documents are now published electronically via the networks, and are no longer available in print format. For example, materials from the forums or discussion groups, or even some periodicals, such as PACS Review (Public Access Computer Systems Review); PACS News; Newsletter on Serials Pricing Issues; and Netmonth are all in electronic forms. Therefore, any library aimed at providing comprehensive information services can not afford to ignore these electronic materials.

6. Academic networks are one of the most speedy ways of transferring messages. Academic networks can pass messages so quickly and conveniently, many announcements of conferences and new publications, new products are made through them. Libraries, therefore can provide the most up to date information via academic networks.

Prospects

The establishment of TANET (Taiwan Academic Networks) was accomplished in 1990, which will substantially enhance the functions of the academic networks within the island. See Appendix 2. TANET adopts TCP/IP communication protocol to provide FTP and TELNET functions for transactions of online file transfer and for remote login, which BITNET lacks. TANET really forms an infrastructure for the communication among nodes, intercollegiate and universities networks.

The project of connecting academic networks worldwide using TCP/IP protocol is undertaken, scheduled to be completed in this year. Once the project is completed, the abilities in connecting academic institutions of other countries will be greatly enhanced. Together with this new communication channel, resource sharing activity should be planned in the following directions:

1. Cooperative acquisitions of networks resources. In recent years, the number of academic networks have grown rapidly all over the world. The networks resources flourish, libraries should plan to apply the networks resources in the most effective ways by cooperative acquisitions, which could be shared among the libraries according to the participating network, area, or related subjects.

2. Bibliographic control for electronic documents. For effective use of the materials being acquired, they should be organised systematically, i.e. be catalogued. Current cataloguing rules do not totally cover electronic texts. It should be the first priority for libraries to draft cataloguing rules for this new type of materials. Special attention should be considered in the rules for the characteristics of this type of materials, such as file name, file type and kinds of typesetting.

3. Design the best way to provide services in electronic documents. Electronic documents have their own characteristics, such as, they are mostly generated and circulated through computer network. Therefore, libraries should explore currently available softwares when providing such services. For example, the file transfer function in BITNET List servers have gained recognition, e.g., its AFD (Automatic File Distribution), FUI (File Update Information) and Sendme or Get (commands for file transmission) are all good examples for handling automated request for documents.

4. Use it correctly and efficiently. After the establishment of an academic network in Taiwan, each node began collecting large amounts of electronic documents. However, because of the lack of bibliographic control, many domestic users do not realise their existence, and often search individually and directly via international channel. Therefore, users should get information from resources available channels and should be educated for the correct way to use this service.

5. Facilitate the sharing of traditional library materials. Monographs and periodicals are still major collections for libraries and are still highly demanded in interlibrary loan. The e-mail function in academic networks can facilitate and simplify interlibrary loan operations. A name-address directory should be issued first before e-mail can be used effectively in processing interlibrary loan.

6. Use academic network to form library network. A pilot project of online cataloguing sharing system in Taiwan, conducted by the National Central Library, started in 1990. Some libraries even reclined their memberships from this cooperating system, because of the expensive communication fees. Now that TANET is established, it can very well be used as a base for the development of more convenient and efficient library cooperative programs.

7. Encourage to form discussion groups for better human resource sharing. The widely used of academic networks should be taken into account in the design of human resource sharing. Libraries should be encouraged to form or to participate the discussion groups of the library related topics which will enhance the effectiveness of library services.

Notes

1. NACO LSP Libraries Now Number 22 LC Information Bulletin vol. 48 no. 48, Nov 27, 1989, p.418.

2. Tracy LaQuey The User's Directory of Computer Networks. Bedford, MA: Digital Press, 1990, p.194.

3. "BITNET overview" Dec. 18,1990. This file could be obtained from <Listserv@BITNIC>; public use area of TWNMOE10 node; etc.

4. NIC.DDN.MIL provides a /who is system for this purpose.

5. "Internet Library" file could be obtained from <Listserv@UNMVM>, using the command, "get internet library". The latest version of this file is separated into 4 volumes, i.e., catalogue textl, catalogue text2, catalogue text3 and catalogue text4. They all could be obtained using the command, "get library package", in <Listserv@UNMVM>.

6. UNT's Accessing Bibliographic Databases is maintained by the University of North Texas. The file could be obtained in anonymous FTP at the node <vaxb.acs.unt.edu> Since FTP function is not available now in BITNET, users in BITNET can get this file via <BITh l l)@PUCC> by using the commands listed below in e-mail.

   FTP vaxb.acs.unt.edu user anonymous get libraries.txt quit

7. OPACs in the UK could be obtained from <mailbase@NEWCASTLE.AC.UK> via e-mail, the command is "get list-info Janetopacs"; or from <info-server@NSFNETRELAY.AC.UK> via e-mail, the commands are listed below:

   REQUEST: LIBRARIES

   TOPIC: JANET-OPACS

8. "BITNET SERVERS" could be obtained from <Listserv@BITNIC> by the command, "get bitnet servers".

9. The list of Listserv, system name of List Server, in BITNET could be obtained by searching the PEERS database. Connect to the nodes which provide PEERS database, then using the commands listed below:

   search * in peers index

10. Internet Resource Guide could be obtained from <NNSC.NSF.NET> via anonymous FTP in directory resource-guide or send a request message by e-mail to <resource-guiderequest@NNSC,NSF.NET>.

11. The list of anonymous FTP is posted to <comp.misc>, <comp.sources.wanted>, and <alt.sources.wanted> on USENET and is distributed via anonymous FTP from <pilot.njin.net> as well as being available from several other FTP sites. On BITNET sites this list could be obtained from <Listserv at UTORONTO> by using the command "get ftp sites", or from <Listserv at MARIST> by using the command "get bitnet ftplist", or send an e-mail to <bitftp at PUCC> by using the command FTPLIST, etc.

12. NETNEWS User's Guide for NETNEWS Version 2.3 revised Mar. 1990 p.1. This file could be obtained from public disk area in TWNMOE10. Its identification, file-name file-type, filemode, is <NETNEWS LISTING E>.

13. RLIN's IP address could be found in the files ''Internet Library", UNT's accessing On-Line Bibliographic Database, or Internet Resource Guide, etc.

14. C'CLC EPIC's IP address could be found in UNT's Accessing On-Line Bibliographic!-Database, or in "The Internet" OCLC Reference News No2, Jan/Feb 1991, p.5.

15. Law-lib discussion group <message on 8 Apr. 1991>.

Appendix 1: BITNET Nodes in Taiwan

Appendix 2: TANET Backbone and national Network Centers

Taken from Yen Chiu Fu Wu Chien Hsiun (Newsletter of Research Service), Computer Center, Ministry of Education, No. 8002, Feb. 1991, p.12.