There has been a substantial increase in the number of health-related smartphone applications (apps) available to consumers in recent years. How does one decide which apps have scientific evidence backing their claims and which are "fake news"? In this Commentary, we explore the hierarchy of scientific claims and review recent literature…

This introduction to a special report on telecommunications presents several compelling reasons why telecommunications is one of the most practical and beneficial applications of personal computer technology and briefly summarizes the other articles in this section. (MBR)

Argues that the telecommunications field has specific computer applications; therefore courses on how to use computer programs for audience analysis, station accounting, newswriting, etc., should be included in the telecommunications curriculum. (PD)

Reports on the American Association of Community and Junior College's (AACJC's) electronic network for two-year colleges, ACCESS (AACJC Computer Communications/Educational Services System), which allows users to send mail, documents, data, and other information via computer. Explains how to gain access to the system. (DMM)

Explores the implications of the silicon-chip microprocessor and of telecommunications advances for future learning both inside and outside organized educational programs. (Author/RW)

This overview of local library online systems that integrate several functions covers functional integration, benefits of integrated systems, turnkey systems, minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems, interfacing automated systems, types of interfaces, linking homogenous and heterogeneous systems, role of vendors, library applications, linking…

Although information systems developers are encouraged to adopt a client/server orientation, systems architectures and tools are still evolving. Successful applications must be built on standards and a well-defined system architecture, and data administration issues must be addressed. Key management concerns for colleges and universities are…

This essay addresses access to information through the use of computer networking systems. Highlights include national commercial networks, bulletin board systems, cautionary notes on networking, the role of the public library in providing a link between the computer and the public, and maximizing access and efficiency through library services.…

Many institutional researchers will find that the microcomputer leads to greater efficiency in everything that they do, especially in the two most critical elements of their jobs: thinking and communicating. (Author/MLW)

Focusing on F. W. Lancaster's prediction that paperless communication systems are inevitable for science and technology, this article presents an analysis of role of editorial processing centers (EPC) in the development of electronic journals. The traditional scientific journal, the EPC, and the EPC and electronic journal are discussed. (60…

The next wave of personal computers will be smaller, lighter, and easier to use. In addition, there will be increased speed, memory capacity, and standardization. Administrators will be limited only by their imagination in the use of this technology. (MLF)

This two-part article indicates some probable characteristics of the microelectronics in the future and assesses implications of the microelectronics revolution for the methods and systems currently used in teaching and training. (CMV)

Issues surrounding the cost of Internet usage to individuals and institutions are addressed, including who currently pays for Internet use in colleges and universities, long-distance costs, how policy is set for institutional use, cost of transition to a larger system, and difficult issues to be faced in system expansion. (MSE)

This paper first reviews the theory of group creativity and then examines characteristics of electronic brainstorming that make it more effective than verbal brainstorming. The success of electronic brainstorming suggests it might be the key to overcoming the space and time constraints commonly faced by a creativity group. (Author/DB)

Opportunities provided by computer technologies are considered from two perspectives: what they are enabling teachers and researchers to do and implications for the future. Processing information, opening access to the library, and coordinating telecommunications are discussed, including the University of California MELVYL system. (MLW)