Library’s unified information system and advanced library services

In this work are described some concepts concerning the creation of a library’s unified network and its unified information system, based on innovative technologies for the distribution of the largest number of advanced services to an increasing number of users. Initially, we explain the functions which characterise a unified network, describing the different levels of interoperability and application cooperation services needed to realize the library’s unified information system. The basic elements of the network architecture have been considered from the functional point of view, taking them from the distribution system’s architectures. At the end, some of the advanced systems to be used through the library’s unified network are exposed and discussed; among them, the information filtering system, the digital library, and the distance learning and educational services.