Based on a request for information (RFI) submitted to The University Community Next Generation Innovation Project (Gig.U), the paper describes a model for universities to develop next generation broadband infrastructure in their communities. In the our view universities can play a critical role in spurring next generation networks into their…

For nearly two decades, librarians have been noting and writing about transformational change in collection development and subsequently predicting future directions for libraries in terms of building digital collections. This paradigm shift caused by the incorporation of more and more electronic resources into existing library collections and…

Smart object technology allows users to know something in real time about the physical objects in their presence. Each object, from cereal boxes to skyscrapers, becomes a source of information with which users can interact. Through a series of usage scenarios, the article explores the potential impact of smart objects on learning in formal and…

The start-up of Euronet may cause increased hourly charges to U.S. on-line users because of the drain-off of European business. The historical development of Euronet is traced, and a plea made for competitive communication rates in Europe by U.S. produced data bases utilized through Euronet. (Author/MBR)

Describes the World Wide Web (WWW), a navigational tool to organize information on the Internet into a set of hypertext documents. Hypertext is explained; relationships between WWW, Gopher, and Wide Area Information Servers (WAIS) are discussed; and future possibilities are considered. (Contains three references.) (LRW)

Discussion of data networking in Europe provides background on the current situation in the United States and the Pacific region. The situation in Europe is then addressed, including the present status of national networks, disciplinary networks, and the European Internet; regulatory, political, economic, and technical barriers to progress; and…

Computerized conferencing is discussed in terms of its usefulness for communication among those who have not had the opportunity for widespread interactive communication in the past, providing connectedness for those who have been less connected. (Author/MBR)

Discusses technological prospects affecting information management. (Author/PF)

The paper for which an abstract is presented here, "Future Network Architectures" (Anthony Rutowski), discussed innovations in processing/switching and transmission technologies, including the development of new broadband optical transfer modes using label and position multiplexing techniques. It is suggested that future network…

This article examines fiber optic technology, explains some of the key terminology, and speculates about the way fiber optics will change our world. Applications of fiber optics to library systems in three major areas--linkage of a number of mainframe computers, local area networks, and main trunk communications--are highlighted. (EJS)

Provides political background on the National Research and Education Network (NREN). The growth of computer information networks is discussed, including the INTERNET and NSFNET; the legislative process involved with creating the NREN is explained; and the future prospects for a National Information Infrastructure (NII) are discussed. (LRW)

Just how much bandwidth does the average student in the United States have access to today, and how much will he or she need in the future? That depends, according to district CTOs, state technology directors, industry experts, and classroom teachers. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 97 percent of U.S. public schools with…

Factors impeding communication during the performance of futures research include lack of a common body of theory, lack of common terminology, organizational barriers, inadequate access to data, and spatial separation of data. Computer communication systems can help overcome some of these problems and facilitate techniques as Delphi polling.…

The new information marketplace is based on a network of wide, two-way highways comprised of private owners and developers, makers of information appliances (televisions, telephones, computers, and combinations of all three), information providers (local broadcasters, digital libraries, information service providers, and entrepreneurs), and…

Describes HyperText Markup Language (HTML), which is used to format documents for the World-Wide Web. HTML tags that enhance ASCII files, examples of their use, and guidelines for organizing hypertext documents are given. Types of documents suitable for the Web and the future of HTML are discussed. (Contains seven references.) (KRN)