Examines First Amendment, privacy, and intellectual property issues of communication on the Internet. Discusses developments in communications policy related to the proposed communication superhighway. Suggests ways in which communication scholars can secure fundamental legal protections necessary for full, free, and effective communication in the…

Contains student papers and abstracts of panel discussions on the following topics: (1) social impact of networked communications; (2) text authenticity issues; (3) geographic information systems; (4) the dilemma of open networks versus information accuracy and personal rights; and (5) empowering medical applications via the network. (KRN)

Provides an overview of the Internet's World-Wide Web (Web), a hypertext system. Highlights include the client/server model; Uniform Resource Locator; examples of software; Web servers versus Gopher servers; HyperText Markup Language (HTML); converting files; Common Gateway Interface; organizing Web information; and the role of librarians in…

Describes the creation of subject-oriented Internet resource guides and a clearinghouse for such guides, two examples of how librarians can add value to Internet information by repackaging its resources. Problems users face in finding information on the Internet, current solutions and their shortcomings, and the concept of value-added repackaging…

Presents a summary of guidelines for the use of electronic mail (e-mail) and examines legal issues and existing law governing electronic communication. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 is discussed, lawsuits involving e-mail are described, and the future of e-mail privacy is considered. (11 references) (LRW)

This article discusses the emergence of the client/server paradigm for the delivery of computer applications, its emergence in response to the proliferation of microcomputers and local area networks, the applicability of the model in academic institutions, and its implications for college campus information technology organizations. (Author/DB)

Examines the relationship of OCLC and the regional library networks and suggests possible future trends. Common values among the networks are discussed, including a commitment to resource sharing and representing the interests of their members; and the influences of advances in technology are described. (three references) (LRW)

An online system designed to help global environmental research, the electronic research system called Eco-Link draws data from various electronic sources including online catalogs and databases, CD-ROMs, electronic news sources, and electronic data subscription services to produce briefing booklets on environmental issues. It can be accessed by…

Suggests that the classroom of the future will include more technology, more networking, more telecommunications, more interactive learning with computers, a greater use of the interactive videodisc, more multimedia learning environments, more computer databases for education, more special materials for special learners, and more materials that…

A project to implement an integrated data system at the four-campus University of Missouri is described. Analytical processing is discussed as it relates to executive decision-making support. It is noted that understanding of specific institutional circumstances and timely delivery of supporting information are critical to system effectiveness.…

Examines some of the issues attached to the egalitarianism narrative, which has rapidly gained credence in the composition field and which serves as a powerful term of authorization. Pursues the question of egalitarianism in the computer networked composition classroom using an interpretive methodology. (RS)

Explains light-wave communication and optical fibers. The impact of fiber optics on communication is discussed; uses of fiber optic technology in elementary, secondary, and higher education are described; and possible futures of light-wave communication are considered, including Integrated Services Digital Networks and the National Research and…

Describes the development of a model for future national and international digital libraries. Four aspects of the model are presented: (1) nine principles underlying constructing electronic archives; (2) a study of potential user needs; (3) the design and evaluation of the user interface; and (4) objects and document type definition development.…

Discusses the development and impact of broadband ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) on global telecommunications and society. Issues covered include regulatory policies, ownership and control, content regulation, home access, rural versus urban access, pricing, user groups, barriers, and privacy. The need for greater public involvement is…

Describes the proposed Blacksburg Electronic Village project, a prototype community telecommunications network which delivers network services to an entire Virginia town. Possible educational, business and professional, civic, and quality of life uses are suggested. The importance of concentrating on applications and user services instead of…