Discussion of Web queries with geospatial dimensions focuses on an algorithm that assigns location coordinates dynamically to Web sites based on the URL. Describes a prototype search system that uses the algorithm to re-rank search engine results for queries with a geospatial dimension, thus providing an alternative ranking order for search engine…

Australia does not have a conventional prime ministerial library to honour its longest serving prime minister, Sir Robert Menzies. This paper outlines the alternative memorials established by the Menzies Foundation including the creation of the Menzies Virtual Museum website. (Contains 8 notes.)

This paper describes an online learning resource for rheumatology that was designed for a wide constituency of users including primarily undergraduate medical students and health professionals. Although the online resources afford an informal learning environment, the site was pedagogically designed to comply with the general recommendations of…

In this column on digital repository management, the author defines three areas within the sphere of digital repositories that need work. The first two pertain to information architecture, while the last one pertains to taking action. The author's first "wish" is for top-notch library Web sites that act as a gateway to any sphere of knowledge. He…

In days that seem very long ago, when the card catalog was the only way to search a library's collection, there was very little debate about the usability of the catalog. Librarians were most concerned about properly formatting catalog cards and, of course, ensuring that the cards were filed correctly. Today, the card catalog has been replaced in…

Cell phones, video phones, voice messaging?one wonders what Alexander Graham Bell would have thought about the many venues today for electronic communication with one another. Bell's March 10, 1876 invention is now 128 years old, but there is no doubt that Bell's "talking machine" changed the world. This article presents a brief review of the…

"Give a hoot, don't pollute!" "Save the environment!" "Save the Whales!" Ranger Rick. Recycle. These are all well-known phrases and emblems of the fight to "protect the environment." Young children seem to understand almost intuitively the need to do those simple things that will make the Earth a better place to live and play. However, especially…

In the 1990s, many incidents revolved around student-on-student violence, usually involving guns. Schools implemented many programs to keep guns and gangs out of schools. In the 21st Century, school violence is taking on a new and more insidious form. New technologies have made it easier for bullies to gain access to their victims. This form of…

This paper discusses an approach to teaching web site design to higher education (HE) students that attempts to balance the artistic and scientific aspects of the web site design process. The design of IT systems has traditionally been viewed as a technical activity. However, unlike existing types of IT systems, an organization's web site is…

Technology is allowing anyone with a computer, the ability to type, and an Internet connection to become a published author--of sorts. Web logs, or "blogs," are the latest way that students, businesses, and many others are publishing their musings. The term was coined in 1999, and today Webster's dictionary defines a blog as a "diary; a personal…

Caught by a fingerprint - or is it an animal track? This paper suggests investigating with these science projects for Earth Day. Students love spy mysteries, and the popularity of TV shows such as CSI and Unsolved Mysteries indicates the fascination is not only limited to our students. Why not capture this fascination for your science classroom.…

A growing number of K-12 educators are using Web logs, or "blogs" for short, to foster better writing, reading, communication, and other academic skills. Such Web sites, often open to the public, double as chronological journals and can include Web links and photographs as well as audio and video elements. Opinions on the use of blogs are shared…

A podcast is essentially a radio program that can be downloaded for enjoyment. Its content includes radio broadcasts, lectures, walking tours, and student-created audio projects. Most are in the standard MP3 file format that can be played on a computer, MP3 player, PDA, or newer CD or DVD players. This article presents resources for learning about…

A blog is a Web page made up of a series of chronologically arranged postings. Blogs may take the form of a diary or journal, mini-essay, photo-essay, project updates, even fiction or non-fiction works. They are also excellent communication tools for families, classes, departments, or teams. This article describes several types of blogs, and…

Integration of library services into the portal that Lasalle University recently implemented for the entire campus is described. In addition to learning the technical aspects was the need to inspire change in the communication culture of the university and to rethink how the library provides services.