The reality of computer automation and new technology developing everywhere, has placed the innovated librarians and information specialists in a unique, fascinating, and challenging posi-tion for the 1990's and beyond. For example, the information scientists for many years have been heavy users of databases, but in trying to fulfill the information demand, they have developed automated files for specific collections and circumstances. The new technology, specifically the new information technology and the application of software tools, has brought changes in our roles as information providers, specifically from users to developers of databases. One of the latest information technology is the Local Area Network (LAN), which is leading a computer revolution and offers tremendous advantages in productivity and economics.

2. WHAT IS A LAN?

A Local Area Network (LAN), simply stated, is the physical connection of individual compu-ters and the allocation of their collective resources to individual user(s). This physical connection includes file servers, network cards (circuit boards), cable/wire, microcomputers/ terminals. Therefore, the typical LAN consists of network file servers, with a network card running a net-work operating system physically connected via cables to network cards (circuit boards) installed in individual microcomputers (see Fgure 1).

The network allows companies to connect their department's personal computers, achieve a higher level of computer power, effective management of information, a cost-effective way to improve efficiency, increase productivity, and a total overall cost savings (see Figure 2).

3. HOW LAN WORKS?

Virtually every LAN is a custom design based on many factors. Some of these factors include:

• Users that you intend to serve,

• what equipment you have available right now,

• how your staff works together, and

• how much money you want to spend.

A network can be just a few feet away, miles away, and/or far away to another country or another continent (see Figures 3 and 4).

A LAN connects the people in an organization. Messages and files can be exchanged elec-tronically (this is electronic mailing) on the network quickly and easily, whether the other users are at the next desk or on another continent. A LAN enables workgroups to share peripheral equip-ment (laser printers, fax servers, modems, etc.). The company's computer resources can be distri-buted to everyone connected from mail clerk to CEO. Even though a network connects many users, it has security safeguards built in: passwords and access codes make sure that only authori-zed people can read or write files.

4. ADVANTAGES OF LANS

The major benefits of a network are data and equipment sharing and financial cost. In a LAN the importance of currency and accuracy of a common database becomes more efficient than several stand-alone microcomputers with interchangeable floppy disks. In a typical library, circula-

tion, catalog, and periodicals data clearly fall into this category. The network effectively centralizes information processing by allowing control over the use of the network; what user is allowed to access the network; and for what purposes user needs the network. A good benefit of this is that each authorized user, not only has control of their own individual files but also the user's personal computer power is still �maintained aside from the network if he choose to do so. One of the major advantages is financial; it makes economic sense for computer users to share sophisticated and expensive equipment - the so called peripherals - such as laser printers, high-performance hard disks, and tape backup devices. In addition, the facilitation of rapid communication between users via electronic mail, and applications software design for LAN users costs less per user than indivi-dual copies. Another advantage of LANs is the potential for expendability; an organization can start with a small network and expanded later to meet almost any demands. There is no limit to the number of users that can be linked with networks. A simple LAN can be used to link just a few users, while a complex network can be used to connect an entire company in several locations or libraries in different regions.

5. DISADVANTAGES OF LAN

There are some problems if you start a network from scratch (beginning) or a library network within an organization. In your overall analysis plan, you might have to include hiring a consult-ing agent or a supplier/dealer who will help you with choosing an appropriate network for your needs. He/she will assist you with the selection and evaluation of hardware and software, physical installation of the network, network configuration, network security, training, and trouble-shoot-ing. According to the experts, trouble-shooting will take a great deal of time in the first six months of network implementation but diminishes thereafter. In a small corporate library setting, most likely the corporation has already installed an in-house network. Therefore, the information spe-cialist will hardly encounter such problems. The Management Information Systems Department and the Database Administrator have that responsibility. In any case, one of the disadvantages that anyone will face is the lack of (some) application software. Much off-the-shelf software will not run on a network unless it is compatible with the network system in place. In fact, most of the software in the market was not written for a network. For example, Sonicraft's network is Novell (running in MS-DOS) and only network supported software in Novell will run in this network (according to "Datapro Directory of Microcomputer Software", as of November 1989 there were approximately 65 library software packages in the market but only 7 will run under Novell (see "Software Review" at the end of this article). But all of this is changing and more software is being tailored for networks. Another problem that is not happening as often is that when the system goes down everything comes to a halt. It used to be that possible violation of copyright law was a disadvantage. Loading single-user software onto a network was considered a failure to keep the �single user copyright agreement. However, you can buy multiuser versions of software and/or obtain a multiuser license and the organization will avoid copyright violations. Depending on your habits, tendencies, or inclinations, you might also see LANs as positive or negative. In fact, it might be an actual threat to the traditional thinking because once a network is in place, things like independence, communication, initiative, participation, and democracy take over. Regulation, dependence, isolation, and hierarchy become obsolete.
 
 

6. AUTOMATION OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICES

In the profit-driven business world, the applications of effective and up-to-date information technology and information resources can profoundly influence all aspects of a business enterprise. The implementation of information services of a corporate library becomes vital to the success and the development of a corporation. The special library role is to provide most current and effective information to fulfill certain requirements. The challenge of the information specialist is to bring immediate scientific and technical innovations to scientific and technical personnel to whom we serve. Our role and responsibility is to focus in the ultimate goal of providing current awareness of crucial technical information to the information seeker. A few years ago, Sonicraft installed a Novell local area network. It has two file servers, each station under MS-DOS (this is the opera-ting system), and most corporate departments are already linked to the network. Sonicraft's Information Center is typically a one-person special library providing reference, computer search-ing, inter-library loan, and other regular services. In addition, it provides military and non-military documentation, technical orders, and other contractual data to support government and industry contracts. Request for information and resources come from three different locations (one in Washington and two in Chicago). The major users' needs are technical reference services, con-tractual data, research activities in specialized fields/database searching, marketing trends,and the need to maintain up to-date scientific and technical resources. With some engineering involvement, some time ago, the library developed an in-house database book list. However, with the network in place and a high-powered 80386 PC, we look forward to the applications of CAD (computer-aided design), word processing, database, electronic mail, spreadsheets, and graphical operations, and of course the application of library software packages. The library objectives are to keep departments informed of the information services available to them and make them accessible in the best possible way. One way of course is automating as much as possible the library's collections. Now, with �the network in place, we need to approach the specific tasks we want to accomplish with this system. Automation, after all, is basically the actual "application" of software programs that will help us accomplish our tasks. This is the so called "bread and butter" of our business.

The following are three brief samples of the type of software application in a network:

Word Processors. WordStar 6.0 is the latest version in our network. This product helps us with the writing of memos, correspondence, and any other documents. The network (one file server) will store documents that need to be accessed by others. This product also offers con-venience in the form of a centralized dictionary, thesaurus, and style forms that can help a library standardize whatever documentation. And of course, this processor offers each user the full resources of any shared printer, including laser printers.

Database. This is perhaps the most important software application from a library point of view. The dissemination of technical information is a major goal of ours. This is exactly what a database does. Basically a database is a collection of information organized for easy access and manipulation. dBASE will assist with organizing the collections and relate the data to the informa-tion seeker. According to ComputerLand (Rinzler, 1990) there are three levels of database access: read access (look, but do not touch), write access (contents can be changed), and administrative access (can change anything: contents, composition, and distribution). Obviously, the information seeker (user) will have access to the "read access" only. The disadvantage part of this is the actual data entry into the network; it will be very time-consuming specially at the beginning.

Electronic Mail. E-Mail is our network package. E-mail (as they are known) offers more than just messaging; it features group distribution lists or "sending" a bulletin to all users. Library bulletins can be effectively delivered and just about anything else can be transmitted over the net-work. In our case, for a while an "Information Center Bulletin" was put out every other month. Eventually this bulletin can be computer-generated. If developed fully, it can be a great way of promoting library information services. This E-mail activity is another area where our creativity comes into place. For example, I hope to introduce "TACO Service" (Table of Contents). Our engineers, technical personnel, researchers, and professional staff needs to maintain current awareness in their area of expertise. The library staff can assist them by "sending" the latest Table of Contents from selective professional journals in their respective fields. Later on, this service can include abstracts from the selected journals and can also be transmitted electronically. �

In addition to the above software, there are many library software packages already in the market. A good source to check is the "Datapro Directory of Microcomputer Software" (Datapro, 1989). A selective list of library software supported by networks is included at the end of this article.
 
 

7. SUMMARY

We hear so much about global changes, activities and open markets in Europe and Latin America. I believe, the Latin American regions will benefit a great deal as library and non-library networks develop and become more "international". The open market trade with North America will probably become a reality. This will facilitate the link of North and South networks. In Mexico for example, with the support from CONACYT (National Council of Science and Techno-logy) special libraries and information centers, can share a wider exchange of information at an international level. These are the subject matters dealing with world-wide business and informa-tion that we will be reading more often in the leading newspapers and journals. Large and small corporations need to keep up-to-date with research and development if they want to survive and remain competitive in a local and world market. Information services is a vital part of this develop-ment. Librarians and Information Specialists know that managing the information resources effec-tively is not an easy task. The new information technology and the technological advances should not be seen as a threat, but as a challenging opportunity to manage these resources better. In a corporate library, however, we still need upper management support who clearly see that the infor-mation management services are linked to the corporation's goals and objectives. That is to say, we need to rely on supportive, aggressive, and service oriented individuals who are willing to par-ticipate in the interactive process of developing the libraries' objectives and services. For a small library within an organization and with very little funds, automating the library collections has been a hard task to accomplish. Given the in-house network, this goal becomes more realistic and pos-sible to accomplish. For the librarians and information specialists, it is necessary to maintain cur-rent awareness of computer technology and information management software. We will then feel comfortable with the new information technology and be part of the global changing environment.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Bonham, M.D., "BIREME: Latin America and Caribbean Health Sciences Information Center," Bulletin of Medical Library Association 78 (2): 119-123 (April 1990).

2. Buchanan, Russell, "Growing up With ALLAN, or How To Make a PC Friendly," Informa-tion Technology and Libraries 9: 96-104 (March 1990).

�

3. Card, Sandra, "TOC-DOC at Caltech: Evolution of Citation Access Online," Information Technology and Libraries 8: 146-159 (June 1989).

4. Cubillo, Julio. "New Information Technologies for Latin America Library and Documentation Services: Are There Benefits to be Expected?" at the 52nd International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) General Conference, Tokyo, Japan, August 24-30, 1986. � �

5. Datapro Research Group. Datapro Directory of Microcomputer Software. Delran, NJ: McGraw-Hill, 1990.

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6. Enyart, Bob, "Networking is Cheaper From the Ground Up," PC Week 4: 43-47 (January 27, 1987)

. � �

7. Goldman, Myla K., "Technical Information Services in Mexico," Special Libraries 69 (9): 355-360 (September 1978). � �

8. Hoehl, Susan B., "Local Area Networks: Effective Tool for Special Libraries," Online 12: 64-69 (September 1988). � �

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9. Hoehl, Susan B. and Jennifer Angier, "Local Area Network (LAN) in the Special Library, Part 1-A Planning Model," Online 10: 19- 27 (November 1986).

10. Hoehl, Susan B. and Jennifer Angier, "Local Area Network (LAN) in the Special Library, Part2-Implementation," Online 10: 29-36 (November 1986).

11. King, M., "Networking Among Libraries in the General Electric Corporation," Science and Technology Libraries 8 (2): 25-30 (Winter 1987/88). � �

12. Lauriston, Robert, "No Pain, Big Gains: Five Low-Cost LANs," PC World 7 (11): 160-170 (November 1989). �

13. Lavendel, G.A., "Xerox Network: a True Believer's View," Science and Technology Libraries 8 (2): 31-39 (Winter 1987/88). �

14. Levert, Virginia M., "Application of Local Area Networks in Libraries," Information Techno-logy and Libraries 4 (1): 9-18 (March 1985). �

15. Madron, Thomas W. Local Area Network: the Second Generation. New York: John Wiley, 1988. �

16. Maxwell, Kimberly, "Building Workgroup Solutions: LAN Metering Software," PC Magazine 9 (15): 295-298 (September 11, 1990). �

17. Petrosky, Mary, "The Thankless Job of LAN Administrator," InfoWorld 8 (1): 23-25, (January 6, 1986).

18. Rinzler, Alan and David Gancher, eds. ComputerLand Guide to Local Area Networks. Pleasanton: ComputerLand Books, 1990. �

19. Rose, Phillip E., "The UNIX Operating System in Libraries: Advantages of LANs and Bulle-tin Board System in your Library," Library Software Review 7 (1): 17-19, (Jan-Feb 1988).

20. Soled, E.H., et al. "Information Technology Utilization in Emergency Management at Exxon Research and Engineering Company," Special Libraries 78 (2): 116-121 (Spring 1987). �

21. Toigo, Jon W., "The Office Alternative: Multiuser Systems," PC Resource p.57-61 (August 1990). �

22. Van Name, Mark L. and Bill Catchings, "Networks Shouldn't Be This Hard," Byte 15 (7): 105-108 (July 1990).

23. Veale, David S., "How to Install a Small LAN," PC Resource p. 79-83(July 1990).

24. Vogel, Thomas J. and Lynn W. Burns, "Serials Management by Microcomputer: The Potential of DBMS," Online 8 (3): 68-70 (May 3, 1984).

25. Walton, Robert A. Microcomputers: A Planning and Implementation Guide for Librarians and Information Professionals. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1983.
 
 

Selective Library Management Software Review Source: Datapro Directory of Microcom-puter Software (section MS22-350\Library Management). The following is reprinted with permission from Datapro Research Group (McGraw-Hill Information Services Company, 600 Delran Parkway, Delran, NJ 08075, USA). This selective library management software is supported by a network.