Discusses the extent to which online use of databases is affected by a foreign language barrier. Topics discussed include the effects in western Europe on establishing a uniform information market; database distribution by language; retrieval software; contracts, documentation, and training; and databases that try to overcome the language barrier.…

Discussion of information services at Clemson University libraries focuses on managerial, cost, and behavioral issues that arose during the process of developing online access to information. Extending the online catalog with commercial databases and locally generated files is described, cost and benefit tradeoffs are considered, and student and…

Describes the use of LINKWAY, an IBM hypermedia software product, to provide extended access to library collections and services in the Indiana State University Library Automation Network (SULAN). Implications of providing extended easy access for library services, user instruction, collection development, and resource sharing are considered.…

Discussion of hypertext systems and navigation focuses on a study conducted with undergraduates at Clemson University (South Carolina) that compared a hypertext browsing system with a linearly based system for accessing information concerning college transfer courses. Results indicate that user perceptions and performance are more favorable with…

Assesses distance learners' reactions to STILE (Students' and Teachers' Integrated Learning Environment), a project which used computer-mediated communication in the United Kingdom and Europe. Findings in four areas are discussed: (1) availability to collaborate; (2) interest in exercises for groupwork; (3) collaboration on extra material; and (4)…

Describes the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), whose member universities share book collections, an online library system containing multiple electronic resources including a union catalog, an offsite book storage facility, and a separately staffed service organization. WRLC's organizational development, structure, governance,…

Advanced online search facilities and information retrieval techniques have increased the potential of bibliometric research. Discusses three case studies carried out by the Centre for Informetric Studies at the Royal School of Library Science (Denmark) on the internationality of international journals, informetric analyses on the World Wide Web,…

A survey conducted in 1997 of distance learners at the Open University of Hong Kong to gauge the level of comfort with distance learning-style tutorials delivered in the face-to-face (F2F) mode revealed that students desired traditional teaching methods, rather than purely interactive instruction. Reasons for this attitude are explored.…

Describes ICONnect, an online project developed through the American Association of School Librarians to help school librarians, teachers, students, and parents use the Internet effectively. Services of ICONnect are explained and new roles for librarians are discussed. (LRW)

Describes several online resources devoted to the issue of information access by the disabled; librarians serving disabled users and seeking to employ adaptive technology will find a great deal of information on these sites. (AEF)

A Latin teacher describes her experiences and observations of teaching at a public online high school after 18 years in the traditional classroom. Discussion includes keeping the students involved and providing some structure; importance of e-mail and telephone communication; online interaction area for students; and requirements of teaching…

Focuses on various technological tools that support online learning: e-mail (voice mail); online discussion groups; online resources; CD-ROM; online courseware; asynchronous communication; synchronous communication; and World Wide Web. Analyzes the attributes of online delivery systems, addressing interactivity and feedback; media features;…

Illustrates the importance of teaching students about rights and responsibilities involved in online communications. Describes how ethics lessons were taught as part of a high school computer curriculum. Discusses behavioral and resource usage policy development. (AEF)

Focuses on six controlled primary research studies of using interactive computing and multimedia in college classrooms. Concludes: computer technology can support good teaching; interactive computer-assisted instruction is usually more effective when the learner is an active participant; multimedia may have advantages because it involves multiple…

Investigates sociocultural factors that helped shape a computer-based English-as-a-Second-Language writing course in a conservative Christian college. Findings from a class of 16 international students highlight the complex relationships among teacher, researcher, and students and demonstrate that using a computer does not guarantee innovative…