Describes optical scanners, including how the technology works; applications in data management and research; development of instructional materials; and providing community services. Discussion includes the three basic types of optical scanners: optical character recognition (OCR), optical mark readers (OMR), and graphic scanners. A sidebar…

In response to a need to develop services for poorly-served or unserved potential clients and to provide staff development, Pepperdine University (California) created a program of specialized service provision, using individual staff contacts to provide regular communication and planning assistance to clients. Program design, staff training, and…

Describes the Pan-African Network for a Geological Information System (PANGIS) that was designed so that developing African nations could use their own information resources and make them available internationally. Topics discussed include training programs, standards, computer hardware and software, bibliographic databases, and future plans. (LRW)

Outlines the need for redefining the roles of library staff workers and the organizational structures that affect job satisfaction, recruitment, and productivity. Calls for a transition to a participative approach to management, creating the more humane work environment needed for libraries to survive in a technological and information-based…

Discusses the use of integrated information systems in corporate settings and describes a conceptual model. Topics discussed include hardware and software, including standards; data incompatibility; problems of information access; senior management needs; organizational culture; training and personnel issues; and the impact of organizational…

Discusses teacher-librarianship education in Australia. Topics discussed include courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and master's degree levels; student admissions criteria; field experience; course development and evaluation; course content, including instructional design and information management; professional development; professional…

To minimize breaches of computer security, colleges and universities should (1) establish and disseminate policies and procedures regarding computer security; (2) inform users about what constitutes a criminal act; (3) take measures to protect all information in the organization, beginning with a campus security review; and (4) schedule regular…

Argues that library skills and methods used for organization of information are needed to organize Internet information resources. Four aspects of information organization are discussed: recording existence and identity of information bearing entities; acquiring these entities; providing name, title, subject, and other access information; and…

Introduces eight articles on the Integrated Information Center (IIC) Project, which investigated significant behavioral, technological, organizational, financial, and legal factors involved in the management of IICs. Four articles address design and management issues of general interest, and four focus on specific design considerations and a…

Describes approaches to developing software automating instructional design (ID), including comparison of information management and expert system approaches. Topics addressed include alternative ID automation systems; ID variables; authoring assistance software; the nature of ID expertise; user-system communication; system evaluation; and user…

Libraries' dependence on computers can lead to frustrations for patrons and staff during downtime caused by computer system failures. Advice for reducing the number of crashes is provided, focusing on improved training for systems staff, better management of library systems, and the development of computer systems using quality components which…

Compares the findings of two research projects with studies of the consolidation and application of clinical knowledge in clinical decision making. Both studies confirmed the importance of personal clinical knowledge. Health information services need to use a variety of strategies and knowledge management skills to ensure that the evaluated…

Describes the development, implementation, operations, and benefits of the ATHENS (authentication system) access-management system which was introduced in 1996 and extended in 1997 to provide access-control facilities to online resources for all the national data centers and services in the United Kingdom. Outlines future plans for ATHENS. (AEF)

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is working with local education agencies throughout the Commonwealth to create a culture of teaching and learning in every school that is student-centered, data-informed, personalized, and results-focused. Each of these elements have been supported seamlessly by systems, resources, technology, and…

New information and communications technologies have transformed the archival enterprise in less than a quarter century. They have changed the way we work and, more importantly, our relationship with the wider society. Access to archives has increased immeasurably and spurred demand for use of archives. At the same time, in a painful irony, public…