Charts the trends and challenges that 1998 has brought to popular search engines such as AltaVista, Excite, HotBot, Infoseek, Lycos, and Northern Light. Highlights testing strategies used, use of real (not artificial) intelligence, innovations, online market pressures, barriers to use, and tips and recommendations. (AEF)

Describes wearable computers, or information and communication technology devices that are designed to be mobile. Discusses how such technologies can enhance computer-mediated communications, focusing on collaborative working for learning. Describes an experimental system, MetaPark, which explores communications, data retrieval and recording, and…

Describes performance alignment--ensuring that all things work together in an organization to achieve its external goals--as the ultimate goal of the human performance technologist's profession. Discusses the three areas where performance is in business, three dimensions of performance alignment, and how to achieve performance alignment. (AEF)

Presents a list of pre-conditions--or readiness criteria--that must be in place before a higher education institution can successfully implement an information technology-based redesign effort and thus see a return on its investment. Includes examples of the ways that different institutions have met these criteria. (AEF)

Describes the Language Learning Network, a course for distance second-language learning that attempts to bridge the gap between autonomous distance study and traditional face-to-face location-restricted classes. Underlying pedagogical principles, course structure, and the course pilot project are examined. (MSE)

Demand for information technology workers is rising faster than they can be trained. Public-private partnerships between community colleges and employers are attempting to meet this challenge. In some cases, students serve as paid interns learning Web design and management and database support. (JOW)

Describes a computer-mediated learning-support system designed as a suite of integrated, Internet-based client-server tools to provide: (1) intelligent support both for the processes of doing a project and for learning from doing a project, and (2) a shared dynamic knowledge base for working and learning in a community supporting project-based…

Documents how technology can bring together people who are miles apart to combine the best resources for completing computer-based training development projects. Includes description and a table highlighting pros, cons, and costs of the following: bulletin board systems; Internet; express mail of Zip disks and CDS; ScreenCam; ShareVision PC3000;…

The challenges of bringing together information professionals from a variety of information agencies with different backgrounds, cultures, and skills are discussed in terms of their implications for the education of information professionals. (Author/JAK)

Geographic information system (GIS) technology is a rapidly growing and powerful method for managing and analyzing spatial data and information for libraries. This article introduces GIS basic concepts, reviews GIS usage in libraries, and presents some challenges, strengths, and opportunities for libraries and GIS. Six figures illustrate the…

Discusses the concept of a digital library and the utility of space/time referencing. Describes the unified space/time/keyword/format search and retrieval and indexing system of the ISLA (Information System for Los Angeles) at the University of Southern California. Focuses on the practical application of space/time referencing and methods of…

Argues against perpetuating misinformation in this technological age, as illustrated in recent Indiana legislation mandating that selected historical writings be included in school library collections; among documents listed is a letter from an Indian chief which has been proven to be fictitious. (AEF)

Discusses whether computer technology should be incorporated into higher education, noting that it is often incorporated without asking whether it is appropriate and under what conditions and for what purposes it should be incorporated. The paper highlights issues surrounding social responsibility, community, and alienation and suggests that…

Qualitative researchers who study electronic communities or describe online communications must change their research tools and adapt their activities to new environments to continue ethical practices. Possibilities of online research within the context of ethical qualitative practice are explored, and suggestions are offered for appropriate ways…

Degree programs and continuing education for information professionals concern most organizations as they reorganize to capitalize on innovations in networking, online services, and electronic commerce. This article examines theoretical and conceptual foundations for adult information technology (IT) programs and strategies for implementing…