Both a classification of the relatively new standards-setting consortia and a theoretical basis for their emergence are developed. It is noted that the theory is based on the confluence of political theory and the theory of markets, and the implications of these consortia for the standards-setting process are considered from theoretical and…

Noting that standards are needed to enable libraries using different processors and different operating systems to connect their computers and share services in meaningful ways, this article examines the content and status of ANSI Z39.50: Information Retrieval Service Definition and Protocol Specification for Library Applications and related work.…

Report of the 1992 Medical Library Association (MLA) conference summarizes debates on librarians as chief information officers, electronic access versus ownership, electronic publishing and journal prices, and Total Quality Management. The role of the National Library of Medicine is discussed, and MLA honors and awards are listed. (MES)

Computers dedicated to supporting beginning teachers are like first aid kits. Both are inexpensive, simple to use, and intended to address minor problems and prevent the development of more serious complications. Both rely on self-analysis and are nonevaluative. Electronic networks offer the assurance of easily accessible, nonjudgmental resources…

Explores the relationship between collection development and the system of scholarly communication in academic libraries. Ownership of versus access to information is discussed; use-based criteria are considered; and strategies for collection development in a networked electronic system are presented. (Contains 17 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the possible futures of telecommunications and interactive television and describes the Internet and services now available through it. Topics addressed include access to the Internet; resources available; access costs; user-friendly graphical interfaces; the digital video channel, used for videoconferencing and experimental projects;…

Documentation of computer network use at five colleges and universities is being used to promote more widespread adoption of the technology. The reports cite improved communication among students, faculty, and administrators, and credit international networks with enhancing higher education around the world. (MSE)

Examines the relationship between a society's communication technology and Marshall McLuhan's concerns for human cognition, and between the technology and the ways that humans organize their societies. It is suggested that appropriate development of global electronic networks could have a positive effect on individual and organizational abilities…

Includes "Ready for the Techno World?" (Dykman); "Getting Computers to Think" (Ross); "Industrial Technology Class Welcomes the World" (Suba); "Distance Learning Combats Nursing Shortage in Texas" (Rojas, Anderson); and "Fantasy as an Educational Tool." (JOW)

Discusses the need for proposing and implementing an information technology standards policy for the federal government. Topics addressed include the National Information Infrastructure (NII); voluntary standards among federal agencies; private sector organizations; coordinating the use of standards; enforcing compliance; policy goals; a framework…

Describes dialogue exchanges arising from an Eastern Michigan University telecommunications project in which teachers enrolled in a university graduate course and fifth graders dialogued about literature. Outlines the benefits of electronic dialogues to both teachers and students. (MG)

Discusses changes in the publishing industry resulting from digital electronic networks and optical storage technologies, and explains attributes of information products as types of value for both print and electronic contexts. Electronic products necessary for a shift from paper to electronic formats are identified, and legal issues are…

Describes the use and applications of the communications program Telenet for remote log-in, a basic interactive resource sharing service that enables users to connect to any machine on the Internet and conduct a session. The Virtual Terminal--the central component of Telenet--is also described, as well as problems with terminals, services…

Description of community online systems focuses on a Freenet in Illinois called P.A.T.H. (Public Access to Heartland). Highlights include patron use; discussion groups and bulletin boards; electronic mail; reference questions; Freenet's place in public libraries; and sample reference questions answered by Freenet information providers. (five…

Examines why so many people have trouble understanding and accessing online systems, using the ERIC Silver Platter CD-ROM as an example. All online systems require users to know the proper procedures (protocols) to access information; these differ from product to product and change constantly. Users should know a particular database's scope and…