Electronic Delivery of Information via a Campus-Wide Network

A campus-wide network, introduced in 1986, provides access to library databases, including an online catalog (GEAC Integrated Library System), Current Contents, a current journals database, and a variety of full-text, locally-produced reference databases. In addition, all services (from reference requests through photocopy requests, interlibrary loan, media, reserves, recalls, and recommendations for acquisitions) are available electronically. The campus-wide network extends into every dormitory room, faculty and administrative office, most classrooms and laboratories. The innovation described in this paper is the provision of total electronic information services, including electronic document delivery, to a new Mountaintop campus acquired by the University in 1987, for whom no other library services were planned. Data are given to show usage increases of 10% per month in activity, as the user community adapted to electronic modes of information.