Some school districts are privatizing data-processing operations. In addition to commercial firms, local county or city governments can be contracted to run districts' computer operations. Advantages cited include more computing power for the money, personnel savings, and helping school districts concentrate on educating children. (MLF)

Reports on a study of accounting information systems that explored the interactions among influence factors (e.g., user participation in the development process, top management support, capability of information systems personnel, and existence of steering committees), contextual variables (e.g., organizational structure and task characteristics),…

Four developments have made strategic planning and information-based management necessary in higher education: changing external conditions; demands for accountability; deteriorating financial strength; and need for changes in leadership roles. Although institutional situations and needs vary, what is most important is to learn to manage with…

Design concepts and techniques for building integrated executive information systems and decision-support systems for mission-critical college applications are presented from the developer's perspective. Financial planning, student retention, and enrollment demand are offered as examples of administrative applications. Sample screens are included…

Priority given to enrollment management at the University of Hartford (Connecticut) has created demands for better information about prospective student markets, admissions selectivity, enrollments, student adjustment, retention, and graduation rates. The planning and institutional research office used fourth-generation software, microcomputers,…

It takes solid information to make a sound decision. A joint trustee-administration committee at Montgomery College (Maryland) has worked out a process to convert a flood of data into an orderly, effective decision support system. Instructive presentation of data is a key element. (Author/MSE)

Describes the technical and social dimensions of computer-based telecommunications networks. Provides scenarios for potential use of networks in teaching and research. (DB)

Describes the conceptual differences between information, instruction, and learning and relates them to hypermedia-based information systems. Locus of control is discussed; information searches in libraries are considered; and issues related to learning with hypermedia-based information systems are explained, including navigational issues,…

Describes the critical case review strategy, which is designed to help case management teams evaluate decisions and actions. A three-step review process is applied to team meetings concerning two sample cases of elementary students with special needs. Principles learned from using the process with five teams are identified, such as the need for…

Libraries should be active participants in knowledge production, and should develop classificatory structures that support the needs of a diverse information ecology consisting of a complex web of interacting agents, users, and technologies. Within such an information ecology, a classificatory structure cannot follow a one-size-fits-all paradigm,…

California State University, Fullerton is developing a suite of server-based, Web-enabled applications that distribute the functionality of its student information system software to external customers without modifying the mainframe applications or databases. The cost-effective, secure, and rapidly deployable business solution involves using the…

Considers how the role of information specialists is changing and evolving due to the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Topics include the impact of new technology, knowledge of information systems and databases, the emergence of new vendors, examples of unique Web sites, and economic factors. (LRW)

Results of two studies of user design preferences for link markers--entities that signify pathways to additional information in hypermedia information systems--indicate that, in general, link markers that employ color and bound objects are the most effective in communicating the existence and extent of links and are most preferred by users.…

Describes implementation of a computerized version of the Child Welfare League of America's Child Well-Being Scales by a family services agency in southern Ontario. Reviews results obtained from 172 families to illustrate the potential for using computerized risk assessment as an aid in clinical, supervisory, and management decision-making…

Using case study methodology, this paper examines how pairs of first-time high school student users navigated through a multimedia geography CD-ROM together. Discusses coding methods for student activity; student interaction; dialog analysis; multimedia literacy; and further research needs. (Author/LRW)