Technology development is moving rapidly and our dependence on information services is growing. Building a broadband infrastructure that can support future demand and change is therefore critical to social, political, economic and technological developments. It is often up to local policy makers to find the best solutions to support this demand…

Suggests that artificial neural networks (ANNs) exhibit properties that promise usefulness for policy researchers. Notes that ANNs have found extensive use in areas once reserved for multivariate statistical programs such as regression and multiple classification analysis and are developing an extensive community of advocates for processing text…

This final report furnishes a summary of the special pre-conference symposium on "White House Conference on Library and Information Services '91: The International Dimension." This symposium focused on the many facets of global library and information services in the light of current needs, governmental programs, private sector…

Data collected from three national conferences on improving the dissemination of scientific and technical information are presented and problem areas are identified: access, economic factors, roles and responsibilities, functional activities, and centralized planning. Recommendations are concerned with communication content, and user, provider,…

Although telecommunications technology is transforming almost every sector of American society, education still reflects the industrial age. We are approaching a time when a publicly financed and managed satellite-based communications network dedicated to educational purposes is in the nation's best interest. Key national educators must join the…

This document contains transcriptions of testimony and prepared statements on national technology policy with a focus on President Clinton and Vice President Gore's initiatives to support the development of a national information infrastructure. On the first day of the hearing testimony was received from Edward H. Salmon, Chairman, New Jersey…

This paper constitutes a summary of the major topics discussed by the nearly 500 librarians, information specialists, representatives of the information industry, and other interested individuals who participated in a national forum for the identification, elucidation, and discussion of issues relating to library networks, as a contribution to the…

This annual report covers the second year of the existence of the Council for Educational Technology. During this year, the Council has established a formal mechanism through which various sectors of education and training can make known their requirements for Council action, and designed and begun to implement a program of developmental…

Discusses policy decisions that led to the privatization and commercialization of NSFnet; explains the roles of IBM, MCI Communications, and ANS (Advanced Network and Service); and suggests the role that the federal government should take to ensure that the NREN (National Research and Education Network) addresses issues of public access and…

The United States has taken only piecemeal steps to ensure privacy of personal information. This article examines the U.S. relating to privacy and data protection. It defines privacy and discusses international agreements relating to privacy, federal data protection laws, and narrowly applicable laws. (AEF)

A study was made of the aims governments have with respect to computers and what methods they have at their disposal for achieving these aims. The Canadian experience provided an example. In general, throughout the world, governmental objectives with regard to computers come under three headings: (1) to use computers effectively in governmental…

Focusing attention primarily on the Washington ends of the Tribal-Washington connection, this article analyzes the extent to which tribal leaders can (and cannot) influence the formulation and impact of federal Indian policy. (Author/RTS)

Describes the formation of the U.S. Agricultural Information Network, an association whose goal is to provide a forum for discussion of agricultural information issues. Topics discussed include the role of the National Agricultural Library and proposed policies relating to the network's membership, functions, and governance. (seven references)…

Summarizes OCLC's linking strategy for national networks, i.e., the Internet and the National Research and Education Network (NREN). The telecommunications environment for libraries is discussed and aspects of network links are considered, including governance, performance/support, economics, and future developments. Planning strategies for…

Provides an overview and comparison of the historical trends in information policy-making and recent proposals for the information infrastructure in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union, and Canada. The role of the private sector, including transnational corporations, is also considered. (MES)