In response to concerns about the cost of keeping up with individual desktop computing technology, several new solutions have emerged. Referred to as "thin clients," or network-centric computers, they include two types of desktop device: the network computer and the Windows terminal. Purchase cost, life span, support costs, and overall total cost…

The ways in which advancing technology will affect college and university public relations and the mass media in the next century are examined, and a survey of 60 campus public relations specialists and 40 journalists concerning predicted changes is reported. Implications for campus communications with the media are also discussed. (MSE)

College presidents respond to an article by Richard Nolan challenging college and university presidents and chancellors to transform their campuses for survival and competitive advantage in the information age. Respondents include Richard D. Breslin, David M. Clarke, Joseph Cronin, Thomas Ehrlich, Donald N. Langenberg, Harold McAninch, and Donald…

The most critical challenge for higher education institutions in the near future will be to develop capacity for change, remove constraints to rapid response, remove unnecessary processes and administrative structures, question existing premises and arrangements, and challenge, excite, and empower all members of the academic community. (MSE)

A key issue in redesigning college and university business processes is whether new processes should be enabled by information systems that focus on them or share highly integrated data and common methods with older processes. An approach used at the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) that entailed reorganization, reorientation, and retooling is…

The tremendous impact of technological change on human workers, coupled with declining resources in many college and university information technology programs, can create an emotionally and physically harmful environment for employees. They can also present an important opportunity for positively changing cognitive behavior and increasing…

Six college and university alumni and development professionals comment on problems and potential of computer software for program administration. They look at current problems with software, discuss capabilities they would like to have, and make predictions for the future of software abilities, hardware uses, sales, and other issues. (MSE)

Guidelines are offered for colleges to use in making decisions about self-operation or contracting of campus services. Six primary factors and 10 phases in the decision process are outlined. A matrix incorporating those factors and phases, and specifically designed for decision-making concerning campus computing services is also presented. (MSE)

Electronic methods of transacting and managing business represent the future of college and university services. With proper planning, an all-campus card program offers many benefits and full cost recovery. The extensive Duke University (North Carolina) smart-card program illustrates the flexibility, utility, and cost-effectiveness of the concept.…

Three high-technology approaches are suggested to make college and university development efforts more efficient: (1) use of automated systems for phonathons; (2) use of local area networks to speed access to databases; and (3) exchange of information on electronic bulletin boards. (MSE)

While college libraries embrace new technologies to provide access to a broader range of information, they must also cope with high costs, both financial and legal. In the print medium, access and distribution are governed by copyright laws; in the electronic media, they are dependent on the technology available to the library and on terms of…

Strategies at several private and public colleges and universities to support advancing information technology are described. Trends include distributed computing, database connectivity, and increased computer use in teaching. Common instructional concerns include facilitating use of technology and developing "supertech" classrooms.…

This article argues that while small colleges appear to be poorly positioned to be technology leaders, they have opportunities to distinguish themselves through focused applications of information technology resources in support of their missions. Costs, risks, and benefits of taking a leadership role in technology are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Current issues that are important for the future of information resources management in higher education are presented. They include: integrating planning for information resources within institution-wide strategic planning; reengineering fundamental services; change management; distributed computing support; networking; the changing communication…

Development of Arizona State University's computing architecture, designed to ensure that all new distributed computing pieces will work together, is described. Aspects discussed include the business rationale, the general architectural approach, characteristics and objectives of the architecture, specific services, and impact on the university…