Discussion of recent developments in personal workstations and software that make it possible to extend the utility of library systems presents the advantages of workstations as well as technical problems and potential solutions. Development of a simple prototype workstation environment at the University of Western Ontario is described. (16…

Management of information technology at Dallas County Community College District is centralized. Information technology organization and planning, integrated data network, computer services, end user services, and educational technology are discussed. (MLW)

Effective support for end users of computers has been an important issue in higher education from the first applications of general purpose mainframe computers through minicomputers, microcomputers, and supercomputers. The development of end user support is reviewed and organizational models are examined. (Author/MLW)

Project management (PM) software, used by business to facilitate planning and implementation of complex projects through database building, is discussed. Typical PM tools are reviewed, uses of the technique on campus are examined, availability of microcomputer PM software is noted, and its functional uses and benefits are explored. (Author/MSE)

Provides an overview of the information technologies that best facilitate and support educational activities, emphasizing areas relevant to distance education. Technologies in the areas of video communications, audiographics, telephone systems, and computer communications are classified and described. (CLB)

Considers the effects of the new MARC AMC (Archival and Manuscripts Control) format when applied to a microcomputer-based local system for archival operations. Development of the MicroMARC:amc system at Michigan State University is described, and the implications of technological changes on such systems are discussed. (MES)

The traditional autonomy of administrative work is disappearing as new information technologies bring about new concepts, such as "information systems," whose implementation through computerized systems introduce more efficient, more systematic and reliable working methods along with a new approach to management problems. (Author/MLW)

The Office of the State Comptroller in New York audited the City University of New York's (CUNY) Year 2000 compliance efforts for the period of April 1, 1996 through March 31, 1998. The purpose of the audit was to determine whether CUNY's efforts provided reasonable assurance that computer processing will continue without interruption or…

ConnectPac, a software package developed at Iona College to allow a computer user to access all services from a single personal computer, is described. ConnectPac uses mainframe computing to support a campus computing network, integrating personal and centralized computing into a menu-driven user environment. (Author/MLW)

Defines spreadsheet programs in terms of their uses in chemistry. Describes several spreadsheet models and processes. Discusses macrocommands, graphics, data transfer, Environmental Protection Agency Contract Laboratory Program reporting, spreadsheet reliability and performance, and software limitations. (CW)

At Eastern Washington University, strong executive leadership in a planning process incorporating a microcomputer-based model has begun to enable integration of campus planning and budgeting. The computer model offers departmental planners a sophisticated tool for analyzing alternative strategies over a number of years. (MSE)

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 four projects described here, a selection of those funded by the Annenberg/CPB Project, focus on the use of telecommunication and information technologies as tools for teaching in higher education. All are written by people directly involved in the projects described. The introductory section, "Overview: Issues in Educational…

Relates how the story of how San Francisco State University evaluated IBM PC look-alikes, considered some of the risks involved, and decided to purchase over 100 of them. Questions of compatibility, vendor longevity, support, and other risk management issues are discussed. (Author/MLW)

This article explores the thesis that colleges and universities can leverage desktop computing power to address campus administration needs. It describes a study of administrative computing needs at the University of Chicago; identifies roadblocks to effective use of desktop computing, such as inadequate computing knowledge; and gives…