Discussion of wireless technology focuses on whether there is enough value in a wireless infrastructure for schools to justify the cost. Considers issues campuses must face, including access to the Internet, telecommunications, and networking; explains technical details; and describes wireless initiatives at Wake Forest University. (LRW)

Discusses why information technology managers are exploring the economic and strategic advantages of Web technology and finding that legacy systems still have an important role. Presents benefits: centralized management, reduced cost of ownership, wide user access; models of Web-to-host access; the Citrix thin client model; and future of…

Presents selection and design considerations to help libraries make informed decisions about hardware configurations of CD-ROM systems. Highlights include CD-ROM configurations, including single drive workstations, daisychains, and jukeboxes; network configurations, including remote access; microcomputer features; CD-ROM drive selection; and…

Discussion of Internet2 and the college or university's decision to participate in the network looks at the characteristics of the system and the advantages of access to it; infrastructure needed to participate; costs to the institution; considerations in making the decision to participate; and the consequences of waiting. (MSE)

Provides an overview of a district-wide computer network created by the Mankato (Minnesota) public school district that allows all its staff and students full Internet access. Includes the goals, scope, and history of the project; provides a technical overview and cost analysis; and projects future directions. (Author/LRW)

Examines Free-Net, and discusses its development and usefulness in delivering the information and services typically provided by community information centers. Discussion includes 10 characteristics of Free-Nets; and sidebars include selected examples of Free-Nets, how to try out a Free-Net, and a sample of Cleveland Free-Net=FEs main menu. (24…

Addresses the problems of managing capacity and provisioning the demand for continued growth in data services. Discusses the need for blending high-performance technologies for interoperability and reliability; delivering higher bandwidth at lower cost; and allowing for increased customer control in networking. (AEF)

This paper focuses on practical and cost-effective NetWare-specific approaches to information systems and computer security. A series of real world experiences is presented that illustrate fundamental information systems and security concepts. A NetWare network is a client-server network which uses a file server to share files while client…

The New Generation System (NGS) is a computer network developed to transfer academic records of migrant students. NGS was developed as a result of the phasing out of the Migrant Student Record Transfer System. NGS is backed by a 29-state consortium that uses the Internet to transfer records because of its speed, availability, and…

Discussion of choosing database access to satisfy users and budgetary constraints highlights a method to make educated estimates of simultaneous usage levels. Topics include pricing; advances in networks and CD-ROM technology; and two networking scenarios, one in an academic library and one in a corporate research facility. (LRW)

Identifies and discusses four problems librarians face in dealing with the Internet: (1) how to locate information; (2) how to ensure that information is from a quality source; (3) what price should be paid for Internet access; and (4) what recourse is there for incorrect information. Sidebars include Internet site addresses and a discussion of…

Discusses the future of computer networks and libraries in light of rapid advances in technology. Topics discussed include information growth; decreasing costs and increasing performance; and changes needed in libraries, including organizational structure and culture, increased access rather than increased holdings, more classification schemes,…

Many elementary and secondary schools tie with local colleges and universities and use modems to access the computing power available at these higher education facilities. To help alleviate the financial burden of long-distance phone charges, work had begun to use the airways instead of phone lines for computer communication. An interest in…

The availability of serials through databases has provided libraries with a new format for acquiring information. The extent to which the growth in electronic databases can help the librarian control costs while meeting the demand of accrediting agencies was studied through an exploratory survey of the 48 specialized accrediting agencies of the…

This guide establishes statewide networking standards and addresses key issues regarding network implementation. It is designed to be a framework for construction of access to the global electronic highway for all California public schools. An in-depth view of the major areas that must be considered when schools are developing their technology…