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This paper aims to clarify a mechanism for determining the robustness of digital preservation options given that the field has matured and contains a number of alternatives.

By examining the component activities of digital preservation, the open archival information system (OAIS) reference model and the trustworthy repository certification process, this paper outlines a possible new model for evaluating the caliber of any particular digital preservation mechanism.

This paper offers a more ordered and prescriptive model for evaluating digital preservation efforts.

As a review of the OAIS reference model is underway, this paper seeks to contribute to that ongoing discussion to address several issues lacking in the current model and its effect on the certification process.

This paper identifies weaknesses in current practices and offers a model for addressing them.

As libraries increasingly automate and provide external access to their resources, a continual and growing need emerges for training of staff who implement, employ, and support these systems, and, in turn, train end‐users to exploit their new capabilities. The objectives and training techniques that have been adopted by individual institutions and technology providers vary, some being broadly structured toward educating staff members to function in the emerging electronic (virtual) library environment, some being more narrowly structured to facilitate adaptation and use of a specific new system that is being implemented. This symposium expresses the diverse training needs, experiences, and practices adopted by individual libraries, by consortia comprising a large number of libraries, by technology vendors striving to serve their library customers, and by academic computing services that share strategic responsibility for implementing online access to library resources.

In 1989, the University of Houston Libraries began a two‐year project to build an experimental Intelligent Reference Information System (IRIS). The IRIS project established a ten‐workstation CD‐ROM network that provided access to 19 CD‐ROM databases, developed an expert system to recommend reference sources, and conducted three research studies. In 1992, the Libraries initiated a new project to replace the IRIS network infrastructure, expand the number of network workstations, increase the number of networked CD‐ROM databases, offer remote access to CD‐ROMs, and provide access to new types of network resources, such as electronic serials and OPACs on the Internet. The Libraries also began a related project to develop a new version of the expert system.

The University of Houston Libraries are developing an expert system to assist library users in selecting appropriate indexes and abstracts to meet their information needs. This project, which is being conducted by the Intelligent Reference Systems Committee, is the first step in a broader plan to develop reference expert systems.

The purpose of this paper is to present a brief overview of the current state of distributed digital preservation (DDP) networks in North America and to provide a detailed technical, administrative, and financial description of a working, self‐supporting DDP network: the Alabama Digital Preservation Network (ADPNet).

The paper reviews current regional and national initiatives in the field of digital preservation using a variety of sources and considers ADPNet in the context of generally accepted requirements for a robust DDP network. The authors view ADPNet in a comparative perspective with other Private LOCKSS Networks (PLNs) and argue that the Alabama model represents a promising approach to DDP for other states and consortia.

The paper finds that cultural memory organizations in a number of countries have identified digital preservation as a critical issue and are crafting strategies to address it, with DDP‐based solutions gaining in popularity in North America. It also identifies an array of technical, administrative, and financial challenges that DDP networks must resolve in order to be viable in the long term.

The paper describes a working model for building a low‐cost but robust DDP network.

The paper is one of the first comprehensive descriptions of a working, self‐sustaining DDP network.

For this third column in the IT I‐V (information technology interview) series, we interview library systems directors. While library directors (first column) and chief information officers (second column) addressed similar questions from a high‐level administrative perspective, this time we look at the practical aspects of these issues as told by systems directors working closely with the technologies themselves. Some of the questions were: “What challenges do you see libraries experiencing now and in the near future that could be assisted by information technology?”, “What would you like technologists/library automation vendors to work on that you do not see any progress in at this time?”, “What do you see as the ideal relationship between the library and the information technology offices of your campus or government unit?”, and “If you could explain one thing to technologists/library automation vendors that would help communication between you and them, what would it be?”.

This paper aims to present a review on health and social care service integration, drawing on experience from the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada.

A review of the literature was undertaken and critical summaries of the findings are presented.

It seems no country can put forward a universal set of principles that are applicable in all settings.

Each country has their own challenges, so perhaps this encourages Welsh professionals to learn from their own experience.

This paper adds value by drawing together the literature and providing a contribution from Wales.

The American Library Association Midwinter Conference. The ALA Midwinter Conference has a reputation as the occasion when much of the real work of the Association is done in preparation for the annual conference held each summer.