Describes a study of the current state of computer networks in the countries of the former Soviet Union (X-USSR). Four wide area networks are described; network uses and services are examined; social effects of computer networks are considered; and the development of the computer and telecommunications industry in X-USSR countries is discussed.…

Discusses extand paradigms (ISBN, ISSN, ISMN, and the emerging ISAN). Models a procedure for assigning ISONs (International Standard Object Number) to objects and their surrogates. Describes resources requisite to the construction of the ISON, and outlines the necessarily cooperative work ahead if an ISON is to become a standard for visual…

Discusses the use of chaos, or nonlinear dynamics, for investigating computer-mediated communication. A comparison between real, human-generated data from a computer network and similarly constructed random-generated data is made, and mathematical procedures for determining chaos are described. (seven references) (LRW)

Examines the transition from traditional single database retrieval to the emerging networked resources retrieval, and presents research and experimental solutions developed at the University of California, Berkeley. Highlights include recall and relevance, network navigation, vocabulary, and extending retrieval records. (LRW)

Presents the results of an investigation of the use of links on Web pages; a content analysis was performed on 75 Web pages and their links. Results will provide a conceptual framework in which Web page design can be considered, including issues of authoring, retrieval, and built-in and on-the-fly guidance for reading and browsing. (Author/AEF)

Defines information infrastructures; discusses their development; and identifies their characteristics, including the technological base and the social context, benefits, costs, governance issues, and needs for future research. Information management literature is reviewed, and the National Research and Education Network is discussed. (Contains 67…

Outlines the classical digital library model, which is derived from traditional practices of library and information science professionals, as an alternative to the database retrieval model. Reports preliminary results from an evaluation study of library and information professionals and endusers involved with primary care medicine. (AEF)

Explores several methods through which to evaluate statewide electronic networks, and discusses key issues and preliminary findings that affect the successful evaluation of statewide networked services. (Author/AEF)

Explores the question of quality links within the hyper-networked structure of information on the Web by surveying documents selected from the sites of the Alexandria Project, CNET, the Library of Congress and the National Information Standards Organization. Quality was measured by exhaustivity and specificity. (Author/AEF)

Describes a study that collected data on information needs and uses during Internet training from students in information networking classes at Indiana University. Information needs, events which led to the needs, and the sources used to resolve the needs were identified and categorized, and implications for Internet trainers are discussed.…

Examines contrasting scenarios of the proposed National Information Infrastructure and its antecedents, the Internet and the NREN (National Research and Education Network). Topics include a public network offering popular services versus a private, revenue-driven network; network development; information superhighway analogies; network benefits;…

Describes several theoretical models developed to measure the effectiveness of an electronic mail (e-mail) system for scholastic and professional communications. Results of a test of the models with the e-mail system of the Chinese-American Librarians Association's Midwest Chapter are discussed. (17 references) (LRW)

Discusses the relationship between the normative structure of science and the use of electronic networks by researchers. Literature on social and technical norms in science is reviewed, and empirical data gathered in an earlier study of researchers and managers through focus groups, interviews, questionnaires, and surveys are reanalyzed. (65…

Reports on a continuing investigation of intertextual networks. Describes how intertextual networks can be modeled as directed graphs and extends this to matrix representations. Discusses topological index values of these networks and speculates how topological index values might be used in the estimation of retrieval values in information…

Introduces a Web authoring and publishing system, DAPHNE (Distributed Authoring and Publishing in a Hypertext and Networked Environment). Addresses DAPHNE's system architecture and design principles, key features, new developments--especially those regarding integration of a workflow for management of multilingual Web sites, and the possibility of…