The traditional concept of community is considered and redefined in relation to the new phenomenon of virtual community, which offers an expansion, and significant changes, in professional relationships and activities. Perspectives are offered on community within organizations and professional groups, the role of professional community in higher…

In tomorrow's research library, students and researchers will be able to find and retrieve a variety of materials without leaving their computer workstations. Traditional library facilities will be augmented by "virtual libraries" with primarily electronic, not physical, access to collections. This trend will require redefinition of services and…

Examines trends and issues in transforming libraries from repositories of print material into digital information centers, particularly in the context of distance education. Topics discussed include public pressure for increased use of technology, the scope of change, legal concerns and copyrights, an expanded role for libraries as information…

Looks at the effects of advancing technology on academic life, using a simplified version of a scheme for examining diffusion of innovations. Attention is given to technology's impact on teaching, research and scholarship, and service and outreach functions, and on special challenges posed by technology, barriers to its use, and its implications…

The principles underlying development of software for computer-based instruction and collaborative learning are examined, and it is concluded that although traditional software and hardware originate from traditions of individual learning, software designed to aid in collaborative learning originates from conceptualizations of group learning. (MSE)

A new educational culture, rooted in the open university and based on information technology and new institutional structures, including distance education, is emerging rapidly. It is no longer a question of whether the new higher education paradigm will develop, but how fast it will occur. Change is occurring in four major educational policy…

Describes programs at diverse institutions across the country that use technology innovatively for faculty development. Programs include instructional development education, Internet use for on-line instruction, Web site use to gather student feedback on instructional techniques, a Web site as an information source for faculty and teaching…