ABSTRACT
The intent of this paper is to examine both currently and globally the varying degrees of application of information technology to information services in the various countries and regions around the world. These specific instances are not intended to be inclusive. Primarily the focus is on the use of international services; prevalence of user interface software; development of national and regional networks; and the role of libraries or information agencies. The status and condition of reference librarians, intermediaries, and libraries themselves will naturally arise throughout the whole of this paper. While assessing the present, trends and counter-trends are certain to surface. Insofar as possible these will be stressed in the context of identified indicators and actual instances.
