Technology provides equal access to information and helps people with visual impairments to complete tasks more independently. Among various assistive technology options for people with visual impairments, braille notetakers have been considered the most significant because of their technological innovation. Braille notetakers allow users who are…

This guide is designed for use by information technology administrators, data specialists, and program staff responsible for the "content" in data reports, as well as education leaders (e.g., administrators who prioritize tasks for technical and data staff), and other stakeholders who have an interest in seeing that schools, school…

Discusses the growing gap between people and communities who have access to information technology and those who do not, known as the digital divide. Considers issues concerning access, in schools and in homes; content; literacy; pedagogy, including constructivist practices and teachers' professional development; and community. (LRW)

The World Summit on the Information Society will be held in two phases: Geneva, December 10-12, 2003 and Tunis in 2005. The Summit began as an initiative of the 1998 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference when it was recognized that the gap between information "haves" and "have nots" was increasing while at the same time…

Describes an interdisciplinary seminar that addressed the topic of the "digital divide." Presents examples of how different types of classroom instruction--lecture, computer hands-on, reading, small-group discussion, and final paper--were used to highlight technological barriers, educational barriers, logistical and financial barriers,…

Discusses technology and its effects on society and humans, particularly library and information technology. Highlights include the evolving history of technology; and values related to technology in libraries, including democracy, stewardship, service, intellectual freedom, privacy, literacy and learning, rationalism, and equity of access. (LRW)

This column identifies 10 World Wide Web sites for information pertaining to assistive technologies and services for persons with disabilities. Affiliated with the American Association of Higher Education (AAHE), this list is geared for librarians concerned with providing equal access and quality services to their patrons with disabilities.…

Discussion of equitable access to technology and information resources by disadvantaged children focuses on four recommendations from the Milton Hershey School (Pennsylvania): (1) establish regional information and technology collaboratives; (2) increase access to technology; (3) expand partnerships with businesses and universities; and (4)…

The Internet, a major component of the information superhighway, has great promise for enhancing the capacity of schools to meet new learning and teaching requirements. In the first part of the video, the following six stories are presented showing students engaged in authentic tasks and collaborative learning with students and professionals…

The provision of notetaking services is crucial for most deaf and hard of hearing students at the postsecondary level in classes designed for students with normal hearing. Numerous authors have attested to its importance. Collectively, more deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstreamed postsecondary settings use notetaking services than any…

This paper discusses information gateways and equal access to information. Highlights include: the development of the physical infrastructure of libraries; globalization as it relates to the use of software; Internet controls such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act; the psycho-social component of libraries; computer literacy and…

Discusses access to information technology and technological change; examines the culture that has grown up around computers; discusses previous military funding of academic computing and the need to change focus; describes the use of computers to promote equity and access; and considers the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Electronic…

Evaluates implications of replacing traditional modes of small group teaching with information technology-facilitated virtual seminars based on a case study of undergraduates at Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom). Highlights include the tutor's role; impact on staff; colleagues' attitudes; student attitudes; and equality of student…

Response to issues discussed in Ann Irving's article in this yearbook focuses on the changing role of school librarians. Highlights include the impact of information technology on library services; the development of school libraries in the United Kingdom versus the United States; instruction in information skills; and equal access to information.…

Outlines New York State's plan for all libraries to provide electronic services to their users by the use of computer and telecommunications technology. Recommendations of the initiative's organizing committee focus on: services and funding; equity and ease of access; profession and education; partnerships; standards and protocols; collection…