BITNET is a computer network designed to facilitate communications among universities by lowering the threshold of effort normally associated with other means of exchange. Discusses purpose, characteristics, uses, and services of the network. Also discusses concerns related to the network, such as security, resource utilization, unwanted…

Computing began at Rice University with the first computer project on campus about 1958. In 1960 a computer center was formed. Today's Institute for Computer Services and Applications serves Rice administration, departments, faculty, and students by writing systems, maintaining files, entering data, retrieving information, etc. (MLW)

Discusses sources of scholarly information including libraries (focusing on shared cataloging and information retrieval systems), nonbook materials, data archives, and commercial databases. Also discusses computing information and integration, the latter considering quality control, terminals, communications, user interfaces, and long-term…

The author provides a brief look at eight kinds of activities that would provide computer support for a broad range of student and staff activities. (AA)

The history, functions, and organization of the Open University International Documentation Centre on Distance Learning are described. It contains information on distance teaching projects and institutions in over 80 countries, samples of course materials, theoretical information on distance education, and documentation on education in all…

Focuses on scholarly communication in an academic context, including computer applications in publishing, cataloging, and indexing. Includes a table highlighting computerization of bibliographic processes since 1961 and underlying principles to provide a cohesive base for the development of information services. (JN)

Although information systems developers are encouraged to adopt a client/server orientation, systems architectures and tools are still evolving. Successful applications must be built on standards and a well-defined system architecture, and data administration issues must be addressed. Key management concerns for colleges and universities are…

Increasingly, college textbooks written to the specifications of individual professors are being produced on demand by custom publishers, often prepared very quickly to contain up-to-date information. Students prefer them to photocopied packets of readings. The trend is a reaction to the emergence of information-on-demand computer networks. (MSE)

Discusses efforts to provide new services that publish information more rapidly, provide faster/easier access to information already published, and package information in forms that are used more easily and efficiently. Considers primary information, electronic publishing (including benefits/problems), secondary (indexing/abstracting) information…

That William and Mary is a small, traditional, liberal arts college does not exempt it from the need for interdepartmental coordination, efficient allocation of resources, and accountability. In conjunction with the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), the college undertook an extensive probe into information networks to see if the…

Describes a versatile, inexpensive information system using microcomputers and television sets which enables Indiana University Northwest to relay information for students to different sites simultaneously and to update information quickly and easily. Illustrates how to set up the hardware, discusses programing, and includes the actual program…

Described are the developments of a computing environment, the general training in the use of information technology, the training of specialists in computer science and engineering, and the use of information technology as an aid in the education process at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. (RH)

A computerized information service providing descriptions of distance education programs around the world is being developed with a grant from the United Nations University and operated from within the Open University International Documentation Centre on Distance Education. (MSE)

Southeast Regional Data Center (SERDAC) has an operational Information Documentation and Control System that provides the documentation and control necessary for SERDAC to implement an organizational data base to support its many applications. (Author)

University management has many and varied needs for effective computer services in support of their processing and information functions. The challenge for the computer center managers is to better understand these needs and assist in the development of effective and timely solutions. Management needs can range from accounting and payroll to…