There is growing interest in the use of virtual gaming worlds in education, supported by the increased use of multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) and massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPGs) for collaborative learning. However, this paper argues that collaborative gaming worlds have been in use much longer and are much wider…

Briefly reviews early work in documentation and text processing, and predictions that were made about the creative role of computers in information retrieval. An attempt is made to explain why these predictions were not fulfilled and conclusions are drawn regarding the limits of computer power in text retrieval applications. (Author/CLB)

Discusses issues that deal with the interface of copyright law and online systems. Areas of change needed to maintain the balance between users and creators of electronic information are identified, limits of the Copyright Act are explored, and it is suggested that existing copyright law can be applied to electronic information. (four references)…

Explains virtual reality, including proper and improper uses of the term, and suggests ways that libraries might be affected by it. Highlights include elements of virtual reality systems; possible virtual reality applications, including architecture, the chemical industry, transport planning, armed forces, and entertainment; and the virtual…

Reviews some of the materials in the LEXIS and WESTLAW databases and the findings of a survey on the impact of technology on information publication, and discusses the possibility of using online databases as substitutes for the acquisition of new law library materials. (CLB)

The first of a two-part series on the emergence of CD-ROM in the online publishing industry introduces the business and technology aspects of electronic and optical publishing. The development of CD-ROM products and differences between CD-ROM and online in the areas of technology, content, and marketing are discussed. (MES)

Examines ethical and policy issues confronting higher education as a result of increasing use of new information and communication technologies for online teaching and the increasing globalization of higher education institutions and constituencies. The article questions the forced options of boosterism or rejectionism, along with other…

Presents an organizational strategy for effective delivery of required computer technology to management. The nature of the technology is identified, the relationship between technology and information resources management is examined, and the shortcomings of traditional systems approaches are discussed. (24 references) (Author/CLB)

Examines ways in which the Internet and other electronic publishing media have changed the intellectual, academic, and social geography. Describes the possibilities of these new methods for organizing information to create new outlets for intellectual, artistic, and educational pursuits; conceptions of libraries; and avenues of communication. (MAB)

Proposes that methods intended to assist in information retrieval be grouped together and that the group be called "informed retrieval," a process which uses feedback from an information system to improve retrieval results. It is suggested that an integrated framework be developed that includes authority control and informed retrieval as…

The proceedings of this symposium contain the texts of 21 presentations: (1) "The Alexandriana Library: A New Opportunity in International Library Cooperation" (Stuart Ede); (2) "Conservation, Culture and Curriculum" (Brendan Loughridge); (3) "European Library Cooperation: An EC (European Community) Standpoint"…

Raises several questions about information technology. After arguing for the importance of physical place and presence in how people construct meaning, form personal biographies and public histories, and develop living communities, the article contrasts this with the consequences of the abstractions of place and presence in virtual, on-line…

This paper provides an overview of electronic mail (e-mail) systems and identifies curricular applications of common systems available to educators. Highlights include an outline of selected e-mail services; a description of hardware and software needed to use e-mail; an introduction to the Internet; a look at how e-mail systems help students; and…

Reviews the growth of library networks and bibliographic utilities, and describes the concept of a national bibliographic network. The impact of microcomputers, the increased computer literacy of librarians, preferences for local autonomy, and the availability of commercial online services on the desire for a national system are discussed. (CLB)

Describes a number of initiatives by the U.S. national security community that might restrict or monitor public access to sensitive but unclassified information. The current status of the initiatives, and their possible impact on freedom of information in a democratic society are discussed. (27 references) (Author/CLB)