Psychological barriers that prevent the public from using libraries effectively and efficiently are identified. The problem of receiving too much information is also addressed, and seven steps for obtaining the right information are outlined, including determining exactly what is needed and then asking for help from a reference librarian. (LBH)

An overview of scientific and technical information networks in Great Britain. (JG)

The primary purpose of the Conference was to emphasize the value of technical information to leaders of British industries by relating the use of technical information to economic development, showing that there are weaknesses in the collection and use of technical information, trying to cost these failings, and indicating some of the remedial…

The individual and social uses of recent technological applications, such as information delivery and interactive home systems, are discussed. Also explored are problems related to the harnessing of these advances to individual information needs, and policy issues generated by the new technologies. Thirteen references are cited. (Author/SW)

Interviews with six directors of career advisory services in British universities showed that (1) individual effort rather than service policy was responsible for most provision of career information; (2) career information seemed isolated from other counseling activities; (3) shortcomings appeared in facilities, information technology, and career…

A proposal in the White Paper on the 1981 census for Great Britain to include a question on "racial or ethnic group" has generated considerable concern. This document outlines the importance of including such a question in the census, explores major causes of the anxiety created by the issue, and recommends steps for dealing with this…

Workers' education (WE) is that sector of adult education which caters to adults in their capacity as workers, and especially as members of workers' organizations. With regard to WE, the usual problems of collecting education are compounded for the following reasons: it has marginal status in the national educational systems; it is delivered by…

This report explains how student tracking systems work and why they are important. It is designed for British funding bodies, further education (FE) colleges, college staff, and software developers to introduce and support systems of student tracking. Chapter 1 provides background information on tracking and the FE sector. Chapter 2 discusses the…

The objective of this investigation was to collect data on the needs of information users which could serve as a basis for the design of information systems in the social sciences. Research habits of social scientists were explored to identify research procedures and problems of research including circumstantial and environmental variables. A…

Used the "Assessment and Action Record" from the "Looking After Children" materials to identify needs and desired outcomes for youth leaving out-of-home care in 1995 in an English local authority. Found that desired outcomes included providing information and knowledge, providing the means to acquire financial-related skills…

Adults requesting information on educational courses are often in effect seeking guidance on more complex employment problems and need help with thinking out a career change. Describes the work of the local Careers Service and how they can provide both industrial and educational gudance to adults. (MF)

Discusses connections between the organization of communications and information facilities (focusing on technological innovations and "privatization"), and the nature of citizenship in Great Britain. Argues that when provision of information is entrusted to the privatized marketplace, then people's access to information becomes…

Undertaken as a preliminary to a wider examination of future library development in Great Britain, this study of the organizational and policy framework within which libraries of all kinds will be able to cooperate efficiently in a coordinated library service gives particular attention to the roles of central government institutions and the…

The report analyzes a 1985 survey of the adequacy of materials sent by British local education authorities (LEAs) in compliance with a 1981 law requiring that authorities provide parents of children with special educational needs information concerning arrangements and policies for identification and assessment, the placement process, and appeal…

The OSTI-SEA (Sociology of Education Abstracts) project was conceived as a result of the awareness that the task of SEA as a service was steadily increasing in complexity and size. A three-year project was initiated to develop a system to meet information needs, patterns of inquiry and preferences as to type of service of its users. The study…