Networks:
There are different interpretations for the term °nets% The Oxford English Dictionary states that 'a network is an interconnected chain or system of immaterial things". On the other hand, the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) USA defines network as: "Two or more libraries and/or other organisations engaged in a common pattern of information exchange, through communications, for some functional purpose. A network usually consists of a formal arrangement whereby materials, information and services provided by a variety of types of libraries and/or other organisations are made available to all potential users. Libraries may be in different jurisdictions but agree to serve one another on the same basis as each services its own constituents. Computers and telecommunications may be among the tools used for facilitating communications among them". (ALA Year Book, 1976, p. 248).
UNISIST II working document defines Information Network as : "A set of interrelated information systems associated with communications facilities, which are operating though more or less formal agreements and institutional arrangement in order to jointly implement information handling operation with a view to pooling their resources and to offer better services to user. They generally follow identical or compatible procedures." (UNISIST II).