The role of the computer conference moderator and suggestions for effective conference moderation are presented in this paper, which covers the following points: (1) opening statement; (2) agenda and topics to be discussed; (3) invitations to participants; (4) conference duration; (5) hands-on training for participants; (6) selection of…

Describes the Public Access Computer Systems Forum (PACS), a computer conference that deals with all computer systems that libraries make available to patrons. Areas discussed include how to subscribe to PACS, message distribution and retrieval capabilities, subscriber lists, documentation, generic list server capabilities, and other…

Describes resources available through INTERNET that are of interest to librarians, including electronic newsletters and serials, online library catalogs, bulletin boards, remote access to software or text files, utilities to help navigate the network, sources for learning more about the INTERNET, discussion list guides, and INTERNET library…

Describes the information available about special interest groups (SIGs) on the CompuServe system and offers suggestions for searching this online utility. Search strategies and system commands are described for getting a list of every SIG in the system, accessing message boards, teleconferencing, searching data libraries, and locating specific…

Based on experience gained in a project in Vermont that is demonstrating potential applications of telephone conferencing to services for the developmentally disabled, this paper summarizes the most important factors in establishing a telephone conferencing system. Basic terminology is described and factors to be considered in selecting telephone…

This guide is intended as a brief orientation to the Bulletin Board System (BBS) used by the California Educational Research Cooperative (CERC) in a continuing effort to expand support services to its member districts and ancillary providers through operation of an electronic networking system. This facility provides a means through which…

This manual is intended to provide guidance to those interested in establishing an electronic bulletin board system (BBS) that enables users to send and read messages both individually and by teleconferencing, and to transfer files to and from the system. The manual begins with a definition of a BBS and explains its uses and facilities. It then…

Information on the technology, use, and cost of teleconferencing is provided in this users' guide, which is updated annually. Intended to assist state government agencies in setting up their own teleconferences and teleconference policies, this booklet provides information on: (1) what teleconferencing is; (2) media available for teleconferencing;…

This report develops a model of a personal computer network for office use from the standpoint of the end user. A network designed for personal computers is differentiated from personal computers which must be attached to an existing communications system. Three types of the latter networks are discussed: (1) networks which connect personal…

This guide is designed to give persons working with developmentally disabled clients a practical introduction to the strengths and weaknesses of electronic message systems. It supplies answers to questions often asked by human services personnel, and includes brief descriptions of message systems now available or anticipated in the near future.…

This collection of papers addresses the impact of rapidly changing telecommunications technology on libraries. A brief introduction by James L. Divilbiss sets the stage for the following papers: (1) "Making Sense of New Technologies and New Legislation" (Joseph Ford); (2) "Selection and Use of Telecommunications Consultants for…

This guide is designed to acquaint public television station managers and staff with the video-teleconferencing business. For managers, the goal is to provide an overview of the market and an understanding of the facilities and personnel required to enter it. For staff personnel who may be assigned to video-teleconferencing responsibilities, the…

Successful learning in a discursive interaction demands that participants be able to follow the interaction from its beginning to its end; instruction on Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs) poses challenges because, unlike in face-to-face interaction, not all messages are serial. This paper offers strategies and techniques to help ALN teachers…

This handbook outlines ways to conduct audio conferences, provides a review of the kinds of equipment needed, analyzes various cost factors, and offers guidelines for establishing an appropriate role for this technology in a human service environment. The results of an audio conference project designed for a service dealing with developmentally…

This report discusses telecommunications as a possible medium for conducting certain types of Pacific Circle Consortium (PCC) business. Under the general heading of teleconferencing, the paper examines a number of telecommunications options including two-way video, electronic mail, slow-scan video, facsimile equipment, electronic blackboards,…