Provides technical recommendations for wiring of college campuses to provide for current and future computer network needs, considering wiring in and between existing and new buildings. The effects of trends in networking costs are discussed. The importance of higher education's involvement and influence in various information technology issues is…

Describes what electronic mail is, how it works, and suggests how it can be used by university administrators. National and international academic networks are described, institutional costs of network memberships are discussed, and procedures for connecting to a network and for using a network are explained. (13 references) (LRW)

Several ways in which colleges and universities without direct access to the Internet can make use of its services are offered, including establishing an account with a commercial vendor, using inexpensive local providers, and connecting through nearby campuses. (MSE)

Discusses computer networking and the cost effectiveness of decentralization, including local area networks. A planned experiment with a centralized approach to the operation and management of file servers at the University of South Carolina is described that hopes to realize cost savings and the avoidance of staffing problems. (Contains four…

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…

Predicting that the teaching-learning process in American higher education is about to change drastically because of continuing innovations in computer-assisted technology, this paper argues that this change will be driven by inexpensive but powerful computer technology, and that it will manifest itself by reducing the traditional timing of…

The JANUS (Joint Academic Network Using Satellite) satellite network is being planned to link European institutions wishing to jointly produce distance teaching materials. Earth stations with capabilities for transmit/receive functions, voice/data functions, two 64 kbs channels, and connection to local telephone exchange and computer networks will…

The installation and functioning of a data PBX as an alternative local area network is described. Background information on the decision to start with a data PBX at Haverford College is given, and growth paths for the future are discussed. (Author/MLW)

College business officers whose institutions are not connected to the Internet can gain affordable access as individuals. Lists of Free-Net and community network systems in most states and of Internet and on-line service providers are offered. Additional sources of accounts are noted. Common Internet terms are also defined. (MSE)

The University of California at Santa Cruz has completed a successful test of a wireless computer network that would enable students and professors to get on line from anywhere on campus. The network, linked by radio waves, could save millions of dollars in campus wiring costs and would better meet student and faculty information needs. (MSE)

Outlines the advantages of digital documents for scholars and offers considerations for designing systems for storing and retrieving digital information products. Discusses conventional and electronic storage and retrieval; network costs; digital storage; search strategies; acquisition prices; and digital initiatives. (AEF)

Constrained by limited funds but concerned about lack of access to the Internet, Mount Hood Community College (Oregon) opened an account for the business and computer technology division with a commercial provider. Lessons learned about usage hours, limitations, access, modem speed, telephone line usage, and training are detailed. (MSE)

Describes a trial use of electronic mail to interview academic teachers on how they plan subject courses. Advantages of electronic interviewing, such as cost and convenience, and issues, including complying with network etiquette, are discussed. A copy of part of the electronic interview used in the trial is appended. (Contains two references.)…

Benchmarking information technology services has become a vital activity for colleges and universities. The COSTS Project (http://www.costsproject.org/) is an ongoing quantitative effort to benchmark the costs of providing IT services in higher education; the project helps institutions understand their IT budgets and staffing relative to peer…

Many campus networks provide the infrastructure necessary for providing patrons with ubiquitous access to a wide range of information from their desktops with easy-to-use interfaces, in a cost-effective manner. The components of such a system could include: electronic awareness products which would allow faculty to stay abreast of new work in…