State education data systems have often been described as data rich but information poor. Historically, these systems were created for compliance purposes and, therefore, designed and managed as information technology projects, but a culture change is under way. Educators and other stakeholders are beginning to value data as a tool to inform…

The vast amount of readily available information is just one reason for transforming the way in conducting research and acquiring knowledge. The nature of information itself has changed. In text and other formats, information is not just created by experts--it is created and co-created by amateurs. More than ever before, people can choose what,…

Discussion of the strategic value of information technology in business activities focuses on the use of information and knowledge. Highlights include the role of information in value creation; information as a competitive factor; the company as a consumer of information; and methods necessary for the successful use of information. (eight…

Discusses methodological issues arising from the evaluation of the impact of IT-assisted information systems on information-seeking and research in academia. Learning and use of information technology by academics was observed over time by using diaries, interviews, discussion, and observation. Results indicate that academic research is a complex…

Discussion of information democracy focuses on information technologies and society and on social equity in the distribution and use of information resources. Highlights include relationships between society and technology; concepts of democracy; concepts of social justice and social equity; information needs, sources, and uses; and mass…

Describes a survey at the University of Wyoming in which faculty and academic professionals were asked how they acquire information and how they require or encourage students to access and use information. Highlights include characteristics and roles of faculty who use technology; and who has responsibility for developing students' information…

The role of the professional evaluator within a school district is essentially to provide data for use in informed decision making. In School District 4J in Eugene, Oregon, this role involves performing tasks in three basic categories: (1) maintaining and interpreting ongoing databases, (2) finding and analyzing information to answer specific…

This article addresses the conditions of developing countries which must be taken into account in developing information strategies for their public and educational institutions or projects. Its central argument is that newer information science concepts, although they demand technological and conceptual sophistication, can be useful in the…

Argues that dental schools are the logical location for development of valid, reliable, and acceptable health services research methods and databases, and describes development of an insurance claims database to demonstrate the types of research possible, as well as weaknesses and shortcomings of pure administrative data. Considers implications…

Presents five standards and 22 performance indicators for information literacy in higher education that were developed by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)(approved by the Board of Directors of ACRL January 18, 2000). Highlights include determining information needs; accessing information; information evaluation; information…

In 1991 Quality University organized its first Office of Institutional Planning and Research within the provost's office. This Office has focused on six major functions: (1) organization and start-up activities (developing collegial support, analyzing information resources, and developing computing resources); (2) administrative information…

The rate of new technology-driven innovations for information delivery has accelerated over the past three decades. New information delivery formats in the 1950s and 1960s included microforms and, in response to demands from librarians, indexing and abstracting services began to make their publications available on this medium. Electronic…

Systemic efforts to implement data-based decision making at the school and classroom level face several challenges. First, most data available within district information systems are limited to what has been deemed important for the operational needs of schools and the district. Second, educational organizations have little experience integrating…

During the past decade the Federal Government has significantly retreated from its historical responsibility to maintain the free flow of information that is essential to maintain a healthy democracy. This responsibility includes the collection of basic data on the health of the economy as well as the dissemination of information that assists and…

A series of 11 articles describes information technologies being used in the U.S. Congress, the impact of these technologies, and possible future developments. Included are a chronology of key actions affecting congressional information support and a list of readings in information technology and Congress. (CLB)