TayNet is a local service provider established to support the development of businesses in Tayside (Scotland) by providing local access to the Internet. This article discusses the network's hardware and software components, evaluates the pilot phase, provides performance and connection statistics for 45 audit participants, and describes technical…

While the "information superhighway" offers new opportunities for independent research and study, the amount of information available requires users to have a high level of information-literacy skills. Librarians are in the best position to facilitate the development of these skills and to instruct clients in the use of search and…

Highlights a case study from behavioral health care and focuses on the information technology professional's role as change agent. Discusses commercial applications, a conflict of cultures, dissemination and training interventions, and technological evolution and adaptation. Describes six steps for change agents' promotion of innovation and…

Describes some of the initiatives taken in conjunction with Singapore's national objective of having 60 percent of the population achieve a tertiary qualification to support the knowledge-based economy. Outlines programs designed for the varying abilities of students and the incorporation of appropriate use of information technology to make…

Discusses a new computer mathematics curriculum introduced at the Department of Information and Network at Tokai University, Takanawa Campus, Japan. Outlines the reform project consisting of sections on mathematical literacy and computer mathematics as well as the use of personal computers. (KS)

Introduces other articles in this issue devoted to distributed learning at metropolitan universities. Discusses issues that institutions should address if considering distributed learning: institutional goals and strategic plans, faculty development needs and capabilities, student support services, technical and personnel infrastructure, policies,…

Asserting that providing infrastructure to support online classes is analogous to building a new physical campus adjacent to the pre-existing one, describes the support requirements of online faculty, information technology networks, students, and administrators. Says that if these infrastructure considerations are not addressed near the beginning…

This special report on the electronic content industry covers three interrelated areas: technology, rights/legal issues, and pricing/business models. Articles include: "Content Anywhere, Anytime"; "Content Management Technology: A Booming Market"; "Entering the Content Space: Carry Your Lawyer at All Times"; Content Unchained: The New Value Web";…

Explains what XML (Extensible Markup Language) is; where to find it in a few years (everywhere from Web pages, to database management systems, to common campus applications); issues that will make XML somewhat of an experimental strategy in the near term; and the importance of decision-makers being abreast of XML trends in standards, tools…

Offers a practitioner's views and experiences on how librarians can collaborate successfully with information technology (IT) professionals without losing their identities as librarians in a corporate environment. Discusses information science core competencies; components of information systems; human interaction, including mutual trust; and…

The objective of this research is to exploit Chinese language processing techniques for temporal information extraction and concept reasoning. Outlines the characteristics of Chinese time system and temporal expressions. Discusses temporal knowledge representations. Presents a general framework for the storage and manipulation of temporal…

Suggests that, although technical skills are important, soft skills still make a critical difference in hiring in high-tech fields. Defines soft skills as the ability to think critically, work in teams, share ideas, and perform other non-technological tasks. Describes a study that found that employers still see a four-year college degree as the…

Discussion of the use of information and communications technologies in education focuses on networked learning. Highlights include virtual universities; lifelong learning; learning models; learning styles; motivation for learning; research in information behavior; information skills; and the developing role of networked learner support. (Contains…

Examines issues and trends surrounding the changing library environment, and how changes have influenced the role of librarians. Analysis of the library environment in the past, present, and future included four elements: (1) role of the librarian; (2) library collections; (3) technologies; and (4) users' needs. (AEF)

Discusses the apparent failure of information technology (IT) education in preservice teacher education courses. Offers a conceptual framework for investigating and analyzing this failure. Suggests that IT outcomes are likely to be diverse and variable for any one student teacher population and these outcomes need to be considered in the context…