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The promise of the National Information Infra‐structure (NII) depends on how each state develops telecommunications policy and practice. In Maine that promise is being realized by all citizens as state and local decisions now being made or considered define the future of our communications. This policy supports the free flow of information to all and is opening up new opportunities for people to participate actively in governance, education, and economic development. Similarly, these decisions can contribute to ensuring retention of the status quo, which, until recently, consisted predominantly of an academic and government‐controlled network of computer and information systems that could be accessed by individuals with the means to do so.

The four major subsystems of OCLC's LS/2000 are described. These include: 1) multibranch circulation and online catalog searching, 2) online cataloging and authority file maintenance, 3) management report generation, and 4) system set up parameters that translate local library policy and customize the system. All functions access a common integrated database.

To describe the evolution of a content management system at the University of Maine Library that would function as a universal, extensible metadata repository, thereby eliminating the need to build separate databases for new digital collections, and facilitating both end‐user access and the management of electronic resources in an integrated technology environment.

Beginning with the development of a prototype system that mapped EAD encoded finding aids to a relational database, this paper discusses the evolution of this prototype into the design and implementation of a RDBMS (and continuing development of an object‐oriented database management systems (OODBMS) system) to actively manage digital objects and associated metadata. The key to the system design is metadata: extracting and mapping, transforming, and managing the processing of MARC‐based metadata into non‐MARC schemes to build digital collections. Other relevant CMS architecture issues discussed are the design of a functional bibliographic structure and utilities for metadata harvesting and indexing.

Provides information on the use of the Dublin Core Abstract Model and a flexible and adaptable collection‐centric approach in the overall CMS architecture as implemented on a non‐MARC RDBMS, and provides an explanation of the advantages of an object oriented database system over the complexity of evolving relational database tables.

A useful source for the development of an in‐house CMS, and a contribution to the growing body of literature about the transformation of MARC‐based metadata for database design.

This paper is a case study of actual work conducted at the University of Maine Library. The RDBMS manages digital collections; the OODBMS manages digital video and other multimedia resources.

The Maine Music Box is an interactive, multimedia digital music library that enables users to view images of sheet music, scores and cover art, play back audio and video renditions, and manipulate the arrangement of selected pieces by changing the key and instrumentation. In this pilot project the partners are exploring the feasibility and obstacles of combining collections, digital library infrastructure, and technical and pedagogical expertise from different institutions to implement a digital music library and integrate it into Maine's classrooms. This paper describes the methodology for digitizing, processing and providing access to electronic resources owned by two libraries and hosted by another, and the use of those collections to develop an instructional tool keyed to the digital library.

As a federally‐funded independent granting agency, The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) became involved in digitization in the late 1990s when Congress gave it statutory authority to fund digitization of library and museum collections. Since that time, IMLS has funded more than 100 exemplary digitization projects through its National Leadership Grant program. Collectively, these projects have helped to identify best practices for the creation, management, preservation and use of digital content. Most importantly, they demonstrate the important role that museums and libraries can play in supporting both formal education and lifelong learning. Ultimately, this work will help libraries and museums to fulfill their roles as educational institutions. IMLS grants support the spectrum of learning from independent inquiry through formal education to the development of “learning communities.”

Reviews some of the popular Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and related digital data sources. Discusses the results of interviews with Princeton University Library patrons and others involved with GIS within the context of a potential GIS service. Develops a proposal for a GIS service for Princeton University with emphasis on the need for training and creating the digital collections that will be most relevant for the University.

Traditional methods of studying and evaluating the use of online public access catalogs (OPACs) are discussed and compared to the protocol method. Verbal protocols are spoken records of people describing their work; they uncover detailed data about what people are thinking as they attempt to solve problems. The results of the Carnegie‐Mellon University protocol study of OP AC users are discussed.

In this article, I do not intend to describe, except in the briefest terms, the LS2000 system, as this has already been ably reviewed elsewhere. Rather, it will be my aim to highlight the lessons which have been learned from the selection and installation of the system, and to review some of the special problems which we endure in Oxford, and the possible solutions which we are investigating.

To introduce the special theme issue on “Content management systems”.

Each of the articles in the theme are described in brief.

The articles cover a range of topics from implementation to interoperability, object‐oriented database management systems, and research about meeting user needs.

Libraries have only just begun to realize that their web presence is potentially as rich and complex as their online catalogs, and that it needs an equal amount of management to keep it under control.

This update concerns various recent developments which make it much more affordable and easier than before to access digital audio and video. Typically all that you require are a standard modem, an Internet connection and low‐cost or even free‐of‐charge software.