Outlines the basic options that schools and libraries have for accessing the Internet, focusing on four models: direct connection; dial access using SLIP/PPP (Serial Line Internet Protocol/Point-to-Point Protocol); dial-up using terminal emulation mode; and dial access through commercial online services. Discusses access option issues such as…

Compares expert-/novice-based problem-solving behaviors with a Geographic Information Systems program. Uses naturalistic methods to analyze problem-solving strategies for occurrence of thematic elements. Reports that experts relied on logical formulations to query the database while novices used trial-and-error methods and midlevel cognitive…

Describes a study of 11 large firms that identified difficulties that organizations encounter in matching current information technologies with business needs. The main problems are discussed, including high costs of new technology, lack of computer literacy among senior management, and lack of time in the information systems department. (Contains…

A discussion of digital bibliography in the medical sciences looks at whether existing bibliographic techniques are appropriate for the new media, and the location of responsibility for emerging digital bibliography. Developments in medical informatics and medical librarianship are examined, and it is concluded that collaboration between these…

A panel of four conference presenters address issues related to paying for services provided through online systems. Discussion includes the following topics: metering devices; electronic/digital cash; working within existing banking/credit card structures; provision of payment mechanisms in countries without extensive credit card usage; and…

A review of the bibliographic instruction (BI) format for business and career information in a business writing class at Louisiana State University revealed that a new framework was needed. Problems of the current format, results of student surveys, questioning techniques, learning models, and the role of assignments were examined. The conceptual…

Compares and evaluates problems encountered when designing hypermedia applications for second-language instruction using Guide 3.1 and ToolBook 1.5. The strengths and limitations of both authoring facilities are discussed and domain-specific recommendations for the optimum delivery of pedagogically-sound practice are provided. (six references)…

Discusses techniques for managing documents in wide area networks, reviews technique limitations, and offers recommendations to database designers. Presented techniques include: increasing bandwidth, reducing data traffic, synchronizing documentation, partial synchronization, audit trials, navigation, and distribution control and security. Two…

Describes the need for universal interoperability among document management applications, services, and repositories, and the document management issues facing information systems managers; outlines how the Document Management Alliance (DMA) proposes to address these issues. Discusses the formation of the DMA by a merger of two groups of vendors…

Special types of prosthetic devices have been designed to support the specific needs of disabled and handicapped computer users in retrieving information. Of particular importance are interfaces based on the use of sound, tactile operations, and gestures. Such interfaces may be used to provide disabled people with access to hypermedia information.…

The evolution to date of the United Kingdom's Administrative Computing Initiative for universities, a program funding development of institutional management systems for both operations and planning, is described. The program divides universities into four families, each of which has adopted a different approach to systems development. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the role of academic librarians as mediators between the scholar and the information system. Censorship through academic peer review is described; censorship and suppression that takes place during academic controversy is addressed; and examples of suppression and censorship, including the correction of errors and conflicts of interest,…

Strategic planning for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education includes creation of an information system, establishment of local chapters, emphasis on professional development, improvement of minority-group representation, review of governance, development of a marketing plan, expansion of public support of education, and adaptation…

Discussion of communication between designers and users of information systems focuses on a review of seven participatory design techniques in terms of the communication dimensions found in the Lievrouw and Finn communication systems model. Implications for the development of more effective and appropriate design models and methods are suggested.…

A listing of new software packages appropriate to college alumni and fund-raising program administration includes 26 packages for personal computer systems and 25 for larger systems. Listings include the name and address of the vendor, contact person's name and telephone number, software titles, software cost, hardware, and intended institutional…