IABIN will be a managed network. It will have a distributed Internet-based architecture with a hub to provide both institutional coordination and some network services. A small staff dedicated to IABIN implementation will support technical standards development process; coordinate catalogs and directories (either centralized or distributed); manage communications including list servers, web sites, etc.; and support the efforts of the other independent nodes. Working in conjunction with IABIN members, the hub will also facilitate obtaining additional resources or network capabilities to meet the defined needs. The IABIN hub is envisioned as a facilitator, not a controller, of the network. It will serve the collective interest, including stimulation of bilateral and multilateral efforts of its network members. The details of an IABIN architecture, including technical specifications and a configuration management plan, will be developed within the context of this managed network model with the objective of maximizing interoperability between and among network components.