Integrating CD-ROM Medline with electronic mail: first step in implementing new strategy for online reference library.

Simultaneous ACCESS to and DISSEMINATION of electronically available PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE, in a productive, Cost-of-Ownership effective, and affordable manner are now achievable. Emerging MANAGEMENT-OF-INFORMATION and SYSTEMS-INTEGRATION disciplines are essential contributing factors to devising and implementing NEW STRATEGIES for ONLINE REFERENCE LIBRARIES. Bringing integrated information closer to the ultimate user and RESHAPING the electronic databases and full-text management systems MARKETPLACE are the most significant outcomes. Key technology attributes are advancements in CD-ROM, Networking, and office automation. We have proven this concept by developing an INTERFACE between MEDLINE from COMPACT CAMBRIDGE and ALL-IN-1 from DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION. Saved search results are automatically routed to the individual's ALL-IN-1 account where further DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT and electronic mail functions may be performed. A 486Ware system from Logicraft and a five-members VAX-Cluster (respectively), are linked in a DECNet environment that is the foundation of Children's Integrated Hospital Information System. In phase one of the project up to 8 SIMULTANEOUS USERS may access the 8 RECENT YEARS, from any one of 1500 ACCESS POINTS (local and remote), and utilize any one of 150 NETWORKED PRINTERS. Opportunities are now within reach to expand the electronic library services while utilizing progressive methods and taking advantage of the best available technologies.