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This paper presents the major findings from the project “Development of new methods for evaluation of library Web sites on the World Wide Web”. The report includes a brief examination and discussion of quality applied to Web sites in general and concerning library Web sites in particular. Findings from a few empirical surveys are presented. A new list of quality criteria for evaluation of academic libraries is compiled. The list is tested on three Danish academic libraries. Finally, a revised list of criteria is applied to twelve major Danish academic libraries. The findings include the panellists’ scores and their verbal comments. The main conclusion is that the Web sites of the Danish academic libraries in question are above average compared with Web sites in general. They do not, however, come up to expectations as virtual expressions of the quality levels of the libraries. This situation can only be improved if the libraries allocate the necessary resources regarding updating and development of the Web sites. This should be done on the basis of regular user studies and comparative evaluations.

A great deal of effort has been invested in promoting high quality Web pages in general. Long lists of criteria of “good” Web pages have been proposed. So far, not many studies have been dealing with the specific problems of library and information centre Web sites. Among these studies the majority have rather been using quantitative methods. What is needed, however, are user‐oriented evaluation studies using qualitative methods dealing specifically with Web sites of libraries and information centres. An ongoing Danish study aims at developing new methods of user‐oriented evaluation of library and information centre Web pages. Main areas investigated are: Design and structure; information quality; links and navigation; visual quality; and updating. The findings from some theoretical considerations and a pilot study are presented. A preliminary evaluation method is discussed.

A short presentation concerning the use of computer‐mediated‐communication (CMC) in information work is given together with the latest figures for use worldwide. Human aspects of CMC are discussed briefly. A few traditional information professional applications of electronic mail are described. Special attention is paid to the Danish Science Park Network as an example of computer supported cooperative work (CSCW). Through the use of some examples of dedicated ‘person‐centred’ systems (ALANET, LA‐net, etc.), interesting new applications of E‐mail for the information professional are considered.

At December's Online Information meeting in London, one session looked at the topic of networked information resources, with speakers from different countries giving their own perspectives. Now that global networks are a reality, the speakers looked at some of the implications of networked information. Subjects covered were the possibility of a global stock exchange; the utility of environmental information on the Internet; the Internet in India; and Internet user types and habits according to a survey conducted in Denmark.

Some obstacles to the use of electronic information are discussed. The major differences between information from online, CD‐ROM and Web sources are outlined. Data from rhus Public Library's business information services (1992–96) are analyzed with special reference to information media. A decrease in the number of enquiries after 1994 is explained by (1) the growing number of online database end‐users, (2) the increasing supply of business information on CD‐ROMs, and (3) the spreading of the Internet. Recent information from the DGXIII Report about the markets for electronic information services are included. What is needed in general among future users of electronic information is a more professional attitude and new skills. A concept of “Web Information Literacy” is defined and two implications are discussed: (1) knowledge about the Internet and its resources, and (2)innovativeness as a major component in Internet user skills.

Presents a guide for development of certifiable quality management systems for the library and information sector. The project was supported by NORDINFO and was carried out in 1993‐94. Begins with an introduction to fundamental ISO 9000 philosophy, definitions and concepts. All 20 main points of ISO 9001 receive a thorough treatment with respect to the library and information sector. The staff members concerned describe experiences from two test sites (Norsk Hydro and Telecom Denmark‐Jutland Telephone Co.) and analyse the two reports. Describes the implementation of ISO 9000 in the library and information sector in practice in general terms. Describes four examples of typical library and information routines in detail, together with relevant quality requirements. Analyses the process of certification and reports the findings of an empirical survey in the Nordic countries. Aims at a general quality improvement of information services and products, and at developing new tools for quality improvement.

The technological convergence of the means of mass communication has produced a new situation regarding intellectual property, particularly in connection with the internet. This paper gives an overview of the situation. Increasingly, information professionals find themselves in the battlefield between copyright holders and users. Two central EU Directives on copyright are analysed, especially regarding the consequences for libraries open to the public.

Discusses different types of quality problems having their roots in the Internet and some possible solutions. Gives a provisional definition of “World Wide Web information quality”. Presents some of the findings from an empirical survey of Danish academic and business users of the Internet. Concludes that only natural intelligence will be able to cope with the enormous task of filtering and distilling usable and useful information needles from the Internet haystack. Development of new and more efficient tools for the retrieval of quality information is extremely urgent.

A new, fully‐searchable database of complete facsimile US patents (with all structures and drawings) on CD‐ROM is offered, under the name Patentlmages, by MicroPatent. The service is designed for large‐scale users of patent information, including libraries (public or private). Patents can be accessed via 12 search‐fields and it is possible to zoom in on drawings, to see double‐page spreads on the screen, and to print, if required, with a laser printer. The disks are provided two weeks after the US patents are published which, if this timing can be maintained, is a speedy service.