Networked Information Resources & Services in Perspective: the Experience of the Coalition for Networked Information

The Coalition for Networked Information was founded in March 1990 to promote the creation and use of networked information resources and services that advance scholarship and intellectual productivity. The Coalition was established and is sponsored by three associations: the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), CAUSE, and EDUCOM. ARL promotes equitable access and effective use of recorded knowledge in support of teaching, research, and scholarship. CAUSE and EDUCOM are dedicated to different aspects of introducing, using, and managing information technology and related resources in research and education communities, particularly higher education communities. A task force of over two hundred (200) institutions and organizations provides the Coalition with many of the insights, initiatives, and resources it needs to pursue its mission. Members of the Task Force include higher education institutions, publishers, network service providers, computer hardware, software, and systems companies, library networks and organizations, and public and state libraries. It is a truly diverse partnership of institutions and organizations with a common interest in realizing the promise networked information resources and services. The future directions of CNI are expected to impact programs and services in the networked library and information community.