Reflects on changes that information technology has made in higher education, particularly in the relationship between faculty members and students. Highlights include easier communication, via email; the lack of personal communication once interactions are more task-oriented; and possible ways to improve the quality of faculty-student…

Describes an interdisciplinary seminar that addressed the topic of the "digital divide." Presents examples of how different types of classroom instruction--lecture, computer hands-on, reading, small-group discussion, and final paper--were used to highlight technological barriers, educational barriers, logistical and financial barriers,…

Traces information architecture (IA) to a historical summit, supported by American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) in May 2000 at Boston, MA. where several hundred gathered to thrash out the questions of just what IA was and what this field might become. Outlines the six IA issues discussed. (JMK)

Analysis of information technology's role in higher education looks at pressures to use technology, the slow pace of adoption, current directions in technological advancement, and its impact on institutional policy and resource requirements. Its impact on teaching and learning without a new paradigm for instruction is seen as limited. (MSE)

Fourteen articles address issues related to library personnel administration in an automated environment, such as education for automation, salaries, impact of technology, expert systems, core competencies, administrative issues, technology services, job satisfaction, and performance appraisal. A selected annotated bibliography is included. (MES)

Reviews proposed legislation of the 101st Congress and discusses other factors that contribute to the national information policy. Highlights include federal information sources in electronic format; the Paperwork Reduction Act; legislation for the development of a National Research and Education Network (NREN); and the role of the Government…

Discusses the traditional role and functions of research library technical services departments and examines the impact of electronic information and information technology on technical services. It is argued that technical services units will stagnate if they do not accept the responsibility of becoming technologically adept. (19 references) (CLB)

A procedure--"theophrastisation"--is described to present empirical results of an investigation clearly so that teachers can apply them. Other normative implications of empirical research are discussed with reference to a previous study of adult computer novices. Perspectives on adult education in general are discussed. (SLD)

Discusses issues involved in obtaining patents for computer software. Topics discussed include copyright protection; algorithms and other software processes within programs; the software industry and the effects of patenting; perspectives on software patents within higher education; cost factors; and the use of patents to control information…

Seven articles discuss topics related to information activities supported by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC): (1) background on the Information Science Division; (2) advances in information technology; (3) the role of information specialists; (4) information networking in Latin America; (5) reaching information users; (6)…

Describes ways in which information handling techniques will eventually be used in public administration, focusing on technologies that automate routine administrative processes and support decision making. The need to develop a long range concept for continued full employment of administrative staff is discussed. (two references) (CLB)

Argues that, as institutions of higher education make the transition from the initial planning of technological infrastructures to the stage of forming linkages between information technology and academic goals, the chief information officer becomes responsible for forming strategic relationships that integrate the goals of the institutions's…

Maintains that, contrary to popular predictions of their decentralizing impact, digital communications contribute to new and more complex forms of corporate integration on a global scale. Discusses how to deflect the centralizing spatial bias of new communications technology. (SR)

The results of a study at Virginia Tech which has a recent history of decentralized computing, are reported. The advantage of increased control in the decentralized environment was offset by the lack of experience in planning for computing at the academic and administrative operating levels. (Author/MLW)

Presents an attempt to develop an integrated overall management information system growth and integration theory for small organizations. The three dimensions that facilitate information integration progress (i.e., electronic data processing evolution, computerized tools, and user types) are presented, analyzed, and characterized. Guidelines for…