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This section presents news briefs related to library science and libraries in the U.S. as of April 1990. The vision of a virtual library, where a vast array of resources will be accessible to students and scholars via computer, is the central image behind the newly founded National Research and Education Network (NREN). NREN is the creation of the Coalition for Networked Information, founded by the Association of Research Libraries, CAUSE--the organization for the management of information technology in higher education--and EDUCOM--a consortium of colleges and universities to facilitate information technology use in higher education. A new paper preservation process is being tested by the Lithium Division of FMC Corp. in Bessemer, North Carolina. The process, which is described as deacidifying, buffering, and strengthening acidic paper, will be tested in a pilot unit built in the North Carolina location this year. The FMC Corp. has been researching mass deacidification technologies since 1987. Gordon & Breach Science Publishers has succeeded in obtaining a temporary injunction against the American Mathematical Society (AMS), barring AMS from distributing in West Germany its November 1989 comparative price survey of science journals.

Presents a visual diagram of how the important documents of the United States are stored and sealed to preserve them.

The article discusses the need for cooperation among subscribers and publishers in order to prevent a substantial waste of paper in unnecessary correspondence in the U.S. The author mentions that publications should take precautions against unintentional discontinuance of subscriptions. He affirms that subscription renewals should be sent immediately upon receipt of the first expiration notice.

The article profiles the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC), a non-profit facility which focuses on the conservation of archival and library materials and works of art on paper in the U.S. It discusses the history of the NEDCC and the proposal of New England states to establish a regional conservation facility concentrating on the preservation and repair of paper. NEDCC concentrates on various programs ranging from the treatment and care of individual documents to disaster assistance and educational programs. The growth of NEDCC and its accomplishments in relation to document conservation are also discussed.

Reports that Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Co. has agreed to use Wei T'o Associates Inc. preservation technology. Outlook for the use of the technology to preserve books, documents, maps, works of art, and other paper-based materials; Use of nonflammable materials by the system which fill paper with a nontoxic magnesium carbonate complex to neutralize acids and prevent further acid development; Use of the Wei T'o process to preserve documents such as the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution; Treatment of books by the National Archives of Canada and the National Library of Canada with the system.

Discusses mass deacidification as a preservation tool for libraries. Chemistry of paper acidity; Effectiveness of mass deacidification; Responsibilities of the librarian in the preservation of library materials; Communication between librarian and vendor.

The author discusses the efforts of the U.S. government to eliminate paper-based options and the use of paper for key services. An example is given with Obamacare, an online healthcare program launched by president Barack Obama.The mission of the U.S. Consumers for Paper Options organization, which is against the elimination of paper-based options, is also discussed.

The article informs about the initiative taken by residents of five localities in the U.S. to save money and paper by cutting down on junk mails through the Mail Preference Service program. It also include information on the database software Smart911 introduced by municipalities to improve emergency services.

The article focuses on the Greening the Convention measures in the U.S. It notes that the effort was a series of paper and resource saving measures. It mentions that printing less paper saves the trees, forests, and other natural resources. It states that the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) convention in Seattle, Washington, staffs were able to print 7,200 fewer sheets of paper.

The article focuses on the need for business enterprises to reduce consumption of paper in the U.S. both in the financial and environmental context. George Pake, the legendary head of Xerox Corp., foresaw technology, that offices would go paperless, but that's far from reality. The machinery that makes paper theoretically obsolete has helped make it all the more ubiquitous, printers and copiers have become affordable that the decision to print has gotten closer to the owner of the document.

Reports the recommendations to consider the academic value of original documents in the United States. Tension between providing access and preserving the original; Effect of deterioration patterns of various media on research value; Development of a framework to assist institutions with creating appropriate retention policies.

Reports the bequest from the estate of Richard E. Blackwelder received by Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Contributions of Blackwelder to the J.R.R. Tolkien Collection; Acquisition and preservation of Tolkien research material; Availability of J.R.R. Tolkien Papers online.

Features the online course on paper preservation conducted by the Northeast Document Conservation Center in North Andover, Massachusetts. Provision of introductory lessons linked to a glossary and a bibliography; Outline of lessons; Availability of lesson texts at the center's Web site.

The article discusses approach to “Paperless" concept in the U.S. accounting profession. Topics include cloud-based solutions, digital communication security measures and commencement of the concept with business process and strategies. Comments by Michele Cyron of Cyron & Co., John Barnes, Director of Product Management of Wolters Kluwer, CCH; David Cieslak, founder of computer consulting firm Arxis Technology; and Erik Asgeirsson, president of an online web portal CPA.com are included.

Reports that the Georgia Department of Archives and History has mounted and linked a number of preservation and disaster preparedness documents on its Web site. Uniform resource locator; Publication of the 1999 edition of the book `The Disaster Recovery Yellow Pages'; Order information for copies of the report.

Reports on the recommendation made by a panel from the U.S. National Academy of Sciences on the proper storage of data printed on paper and kept by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Transfer of records on acid-free paper or microfilm; Rejection of magnetic or optical storage; Institution of a screening process to check conditions of paper.