Discusses questions of central importance to researchers interested in educational computing, namely long-range, cumulative effects of computer use; cumulative effects on cognition, emotion, and behavior; identification, conceptualization, and study of computers' capabilities carrying the most educational promise; transfer of learning; and…

Social impact of a videotex system developed for farm operators is assessed by examining whose needs the system served; who were early adopters; and who most used and benefited from the system. This assessment demonstrates importance of tracing out each phase of the process by which information inequities are created. (Author/MBR)

Develops a conceptual model which places public library use in the context of a series of interrelated decisions made by consumer about allocating time to various activities based on relative costs and benefits, and tests the model against available data on the characteristics of public library users. Seventeen references are included. (EJS)

Summarizes results of library survey conducted in three developing countries to determine availability and utilization of documentation produced by organizations of United Nations system. Highlights include research methodology (libraries surveyed, sources of publications collected, method of acquisition, depositories); processing of documents…

This proposal contains a mechanism to provide the population with useful drug information at the time of purchase. This mechanism may also provide the system with useful information concerning drug utilization by the consuming public. Such information is vital to health planners and others interested in health care delivery. (Author)

This paper reports the findings of an experiment designed to test extensions of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) within the context of using the World Wide Web to gather and analyze financial information. The proposed extensions are three-fold. Based on prior research, cognitive absorption variables are posited as predeterminants of ease of…

The purpose of this study is to identify users of Pennsylvania public libraries and determine their reasons for using the library. In addition, the study provides information describing the impacts and benefits to those users as a result of their contact with the public library. The objectives were to: (1) describe users in terms of their…

This paper reports the results of a five-year case study of the use of online tools: Internet, e-mail, and the World Wide Web, within a Graduate School of Education. The conceptual framework was independently developed, but because of the striking parallel with activity theory, activity theory became the overall framework for interpreting…

University libraries, and specifically the University of South Florida (USF) Library, are used for many different purposes that go beyond traditional library services. Activities users engage in while in the library should factor into decisions regarding the allocation of library space or expenditure of resources. The results of this survey…

This report presents results of a survey of curriculum subject (language arts, math, science, and/or social studies) teachers of grades 1-12 on Internet usage. The sample was public schools in Quality Education Data's National Education Database. A total of 350 surveys were completed in March through May 2001. Findings are reported in the…

The Public Relations section of the Proceedings contains the following 8 papers: "The Cultural Competence Spiral: An Assessment and Profile of U.S. Public Relations Practitioners' Preparation for International Assignments" (Alan R. Freitag); "Trust, Communication, and Quality Relationships in the Workplace: Comparing Views of CEOs…

This paper reports on a study of the content of library and information science (LIS) journals published in Australasia (e.g., Australian Library Journal, Fiji Library Journal, New Zealand Libraries, and Singapore Libraries). The study's purpose was to analyze how the content of Australasian LIS journals is affecting knowledge creation among the…

With electronic desktop delivery of information, increased ease of access allows for greater information use than previously possible. The OhioLINK experience thus far is that improved ease of access has demonstrated the high elasticity in information usage. The first 36 months of operation of the OhioLINK Electronic Journal Center (EJC) is an…

This paper provides a snapshot of developments in the electronic journal industry. The first section identifies issues affecting librarians and publishers, including: (1) issues of common concern to both publishers and librarians, e.g., lack of comparable data, lack of context, incomplete usage data, marketing, content provided, interface…

If the information capacity or the diversity of products of any system is to be increased, the attitudes of the users must be considered or they may simply not use the system, and turn to more personal means of communication for their information. (Author)