Provides the text of the 1993 Ian P. Sharp Lecture on Information Science that discussed issues concerning the global information network, particularly as they affect Canada. Highlights include the economic value of knowledge; information technology; effects on business; the global marketplace; effects on work practices; collaboration; social…

Presents guidelines for a National Learning Infrastructure Initiative based on higher education's experience in national networking and telecommunications, including a systemic approach to instructional technology; precompetitive, object-oriented technologies and standards; prototypes that exhibit educational advantages; and leadership for change.…

Discussion of the rapid growth of information and information sources focuses on the role of librarians in promoting and providing literacy programs. Topics addressed include global views; effects of illiteracy; electronic computer networks; and the need for librarians to become more active, visible, and politically aware. (LRW)

Online public access catalogs from 67 libraries using NOTIS software were searched using Internet connections to determine the positional operators selected as the default keyword operator on each catalog. Results indicate the lack of a processing standard for keyword searches. Five tables provide information. (Author/AEF)

Discusses two Electronic Library Education Centers (ELECs) created at the University of Arizona to improve library instruction in the use of online resources. Examines costs of developing ELECs; technical changes experienced; and benefits to users and librarians. A sidebar by Abbie J. Basile identifies Internet resources for planning and/or…

Examines the influence of three combinations of document structures and menu designs on users' attitude, performance, and learning in search tasks. Three versions of a document introducing UNIX, Internet, BITNET, and general computing and networking resources at a university were implemented using HyperCard. Results showed that only the accuracy…

Discusses resources accessible on the Internet, as well as providing some Internet addresses useful for developmental educators. Provides descriptions of and information on how to interact with Listservs (discussion groups), ARCHIEs (a search utility), GOPHERs (an Internet navigation system), WAISs (Wide Area Information Servers), and other…

A computer network designed by Tennessee State University, a historically black institution, links 29 schools, colleges, and community institutions and is financed with corporate, state, and federal funds. Focus is on providing access to technology in inner-city neighborhoods and institutions, especially within schools. Expansion of the system is…

Focuses on communication via electronic networks as a unique form of discourse that exists on a continuum between context-dependent interaction of oral conversation and the abstracted composition of written text. Reviews research in related fields of psychology, composition theory, computer and information sciences. Suggests directions for further…

Although the Cold War has ended, the need for students to improve their intercultural awareness and understanding of international problems (hunger, environmental degradation, and increasing population) has grown stronger. I*Earn, a global network, allows K-12 students to work on joint social and environmental projects that can greatly improve…

Describes Open Learning Australia (OLA), a national program that was developed to widen and facilitate access to undergraduate education by providing open admission. Highlights include other Australian distance education programs; services provided by OLA and those provided by participating universities; electronic support services; fees; and…

Discussion of the Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet) focuses on the benefits of Internet access for supporting teaching (based on an exploratory study and a longitudinal study of Australian academics). Results suggest Internet connectivity improves faculty collaboration and facilitates supervision of distance education and external…

Describes the development of K-12 computer networks in the United States and Canada. Discusses a project that used participatory design to introduce Internet classroom activities, and examines the role of school librarians. Findings suggest schools of information science must offer support to schools seeking Internet resources and applications.…

Discusses changes and improvements in the integrated services digital network (ISDN) that have caused ISDN to reemerge as a viable, cost-effective technology for use in home and office workstations. Reviews changes in demand, standards, availability, ease of use, and cost, and displays a diagram of a typical ISDN terminal adapter setup. (JMV)

Discusses techniques for managing documents in wide area networks, reviews technique limitations, and offers recommendations to database designers. Presented techniques include: increasing bandwidth, reducing data traffic, synchronizing documentation, partial synchronization, audit trials, navigation, and distribution control and security. Two…