Explains aspects of an Internet gopher developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Standard Reference Data (SRD) program. The gopher lists SRD projects and data centers and enables users to find and contact the researchers associated with these projects. Delivery of scientific information is also discussed. (LRW)

Explores major issues in creating and maintaining Internet services for AskERIC, an educational digital library started by the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system. Highlights include the importance of user input to shape the service, human intermediaries, AskERIC as a virtual library, future directions, and a copy of the AskERIC…

Discusses software used for formatting bibliographies and describes 52 programs. Information provided includes type of operating system required, publication formats, citation styles, ability to arrange by subject, use of downloaded references, network versions, costs, and plans for future changes. A directory of the programs and producers is…

Examines commercial communications products that offer electronic mail and special interest forums to determine which would best meet the needs of members of Puppeteers of America and UNIMA (Union International de la Marionette). Services and costs of CompuServe, the WELL (Whole Earth Electronic Link), GEnnie, and Prodigy are described. (MES)

Discusses the electronic publishing activities of Meckler Publishing on the Internet, including a publications catalog, an electronic journal, and tables of contents databases. Broader issues of commercial network publishing are also addressed, including changes in the research process, changes in publishing, bibliographic control,…

Collision of a comet with Jupiter beginning July 16, 1994 will be observed by astronomers worldwide, with computerized information relayed to a center at the University of Maryland, financed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and National Science Foundation. Geologists and paleontologists also hope to learn more about earth's…

Describes Z39.50, a standard prepared by the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) for information retrieval that allows two computer systems connected to a network to exchange messages for the purpose of searching databases and receiving records. Canada's involvement is discussed, and possible library applications are described. (LRW)

Provides a brief description of Usenet, the computer network, and discusses how it may be applied in library settings. How to become a Usenet user, when to choose Usenet instead of a listserv group, and its use as a discussion and reference tool are covered. Six examples of Usenet communications are included. (nine references) (KRN)

Discusses microcomputer-based reformatting of text to help learners with disabilities. Highlights include letter size; spacing; copyright problems; expanding the target audience to make systems more cost effective; writing skills; voice input; and further enhancements, including networked systems and the use of hypertext. (14 references) (LRW)

This issue contains nine articles that provide an overview of trends and research in parallel information retrieval. Topics discussed include network design for text searching; the Connection Machine System; PThomas, an adaptive information retrieval system on the Connection Machine; algorithms for document clustering; and system architecture for…

Describes the evolution of job searching on the Internet from the early job boards to offerings on eBay. Suggests that both job-seekers and employers are becoming dissatisfied with job boards because of the difficulty of sifting through the large number of candidates and jobs to find the right match. (JOW)

Offers advice for choosing an Internet provider: consider the amount of time, effort, and expertise one has, coupled with the complexity of the Web page, which impact price and choice of provider; and question providers about server speed, ports, architecture, traffic levels, fee structures, and registration of domain names. Lists 33 Web presence…

Describes technological advances at North Dakota State University under the direction of Bonnie M. Neas, formerly the director of information-technology services and currently the head of Internet research. Campus networks were in their infancy when she began her programs, but now the university is part of a consortium building a high-speed…

Discusses wireless local area networks (LANs) which typically consist of laptop computers that connect to fixed access points via infrared or radio signals. Topics include wide area networks; personal area networks; problems, including limitations of available bandwidth, interference, and security concerns; use in education; interoperability;…

Uses the example of Dallas County Community College District to describe the computer hardware components needed to deliver online education. (EV)