Members of diverse information professions and disciplines have historically had different missions, methods, and areas of responsibility. However, the new technical knowledge common among them is fertile ground for collaboration through information technology. Successful collaborations are based on identification of a common goal, recognition of…

Collaboration between professions or disciplines or across distances is discussed. A definition of collaboration is offered, processes and factors making collaboration difficult are identified, and two features of networked communication (access equalization and social equalization) that are important to collaboration are examined. (Author/MSE)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a collaborative library/information services program of distributed information services. In response to differing conceptions of "prototypes" among the professionals involved, a facility has been made available where developers and researchers can refine new technologies before…

Discusses the role of the chief information officer (CIO) of a college or university, including such issues as: addressing institutional goals and mission; administrating organization and climate for leadership; accepting responsibility; cooperating; communicating information technology's role in the institution; understanding the role of funding;…

Interviews with 51 librarians and 40 computer-center administrators at smaller colleges found that they face similar challenges in providing services and seeking economies but are uneasy about formal structural changes that bring their operations closer together. Reasons for their concern and implications for college administration are discussed,…

The origins and expansion of the University of Michigan Information Technology Division (ITD) partnership with academic units is described. The program, which began with the university's largest academic unit, features distributed computing and support services. Lessons have been learned concerning deans' attitudes about computing technology and…

It is argued that, with the emergence of new technologies, the traditional missions and "domains" of academic libraries and campus computing services need to be adjusted to support collaboration. Specific collaborative projects linked to strategic plans are recommended over forced mergers or overly ambitious multigoal projects. (MSE)

Informal discussions between librarians and information technologists at Indiana University-Bloomington concerning the commonalities of their careers in information evolved into an ambitious collaborative program of professional development. A series of workshops focused on specific current professional challenges. Content emphasized collaboration…

The process of designing the Yale University (Connecticut) World Wide Web page "front door" is described, including its conceptualization, evolution through technological advances and attitudinal change, achievement of consensus through an interdepartmental advisory team, constituency response, and expectations about future change. (MSE)

Information technology services on campuses are in crisis, due to dramatically increased expectations and stable or dwindling funding. The situation can be improved and service effectiveness enhanced by controlling expectations, reducing work, getting help (student volunteers, experiential learning programs, local experts, consultants, faculty and…

As economic realities drive colleges and universities to reassess financial strategies for managing information technology investments, many will have to develop a new game plan, requiring: collaboration among academic, financial, and technical leaders; rejuvenation of the collective conventional wisdom; shift to life-cycle budgeting; emphasis on…

A collaborative effort of the libraries, information technology office, and faculty, the University of Iowa's Information Arcade is a facility designed to support use of electronic services in research, teaching, and independent learning. The planning and development process includes a formal commitment to ongoing cooperation and communication…

Early collaborative efforts between librarians and computing professionals at Rice University (Texas) led to the realization that some organizational restructuring was needed to effectively serve changing user needs. A new approach to delivering user services has not only benefited users but also resulted in growth and skills development for…

Two higher education professionals discuss cultural issues that separate librarians and information technology professionals, and inhibit enlightened leadership as their changing roles cause professional convergence. Guiding principles for the information professional are outlined: developing oneself and a new generation of leadership; recognizing…

The University of Delaware has offered several week-long faculty development institutes planned collaboratively by four areas of the university with significant experience in faculty instruction and service: (1) Information Technology/User Services; (2) Center for Teaching Effectiveness; (3) Library; and (4) Instructional Technology Center.…