This report documents the design, administration, and data analysis procedure of the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) for 1996. It indicates the technical decisions that were made and the rationale behind them. Detailed substantive findings are not presented in this report. These chapters provide technical information about the…

Reviews research in computer assisted instruction in areas dealing with communication subject variables as measurable outcomes or effects. These include reading comprehension/skills, composition, and organizational communication and information utilization. A model for future analysis is then proposed. Included in an appendix is a list of…

Lessons and strategies for the institutional researcher dealing with faculty reduction are reviewed: developing a database; defining circumstances necessary for retrenchment; developing policies regarding participation and program discontinuance; examining alternatives; reviewing role and mission statements, legal standards and procedures;…

Distributed data bases in statewide and multi-institutional systems are discussed. It is suggested that traditional approaches to data processing and current data base software are inappropriate for a distributed data base system. (BH)

Discusses the design of a model-based management information system in terms of mathematical/statistical, information processing, and human factors issues and presents a prototype system for interlibrary loan networks. (Author/CWM)

Describes the State of Iowa Libraries Online project (SILO) which was developed to demonstrate new information technologies available to libraries. Focuses on two interlinked components of the project: Web-based union catalog development and statewide deployment of the ANS/NISO Z39.50 information retrieval standard. Includes recommendations for…

Discusses the evolution and content of CANCODE, an English-language corpus under development at the University of Nottingham (England) designed to reflect current language use, and several related issues: whether the grammar currently taught should be changed to more closely correspond to common usage; whether the native speaker should be the…

Examines the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) which provides access to the state's public library resources; federal, state, and regional information resources; and other electronic information resources. Describes OPLIN's role in Ohio, hardware and services provided, mission, origin, funding, staff training, databases, future plans…

Describes part of a federally-funded project at Kapiolani Community College (Hawaii) that focused on document delivery to enhance library services. Topics include bibliographic instruction for searching; customized searches on commercial databases; locating and delivering full-text articles; constructing a World Wide Web site; and evaluation…

The digitization of over a million journal pages dating back to 1886, and access via the World Wide Web, intended originally to free shelf space, is seen by some scholars as changing the nature of scholarship. It will also significantly improve access from smaller institutions with limited collections. (MSE)

Analyzes the use of online and CD-ROM databases for bibliographic and reference services by 33 Spanish universities. Highlights include evolution of automation; personnel; users; search typology and motive; user training; problems in serving the public; computer equipment; online service costs; and database providers. (AEF)

Describes and evaluates the success of a chemistry course for nonscience majors that examines a variety of contemporary science-based issues and includes online retrieval of chemical information. Explains how course instructor and librarian work together to plan assignments and provide instruction to groups of students. Includes sample assignments…

Reviews the literature on the development of full-text electronic libraries in the academic setting. Organizational factors can have impact on electronic library development and ultimate usability. Topics include strategic management, planning and implementation; system specification and design; document provision; user support and training; and…

Disenchantment with and heavy spending on health care has made policymakers more interested in health care research. The federal Agency for Health Care and Policy Research, university consortia for health-services research, and establishment of a national database are elements in a new focus on quality of care. (MSE)

Presents the opening remarks and keynote addresses of a conference held in Toronto June 1-3, 1988. In the first address W. David Penniman presents a brief history of information technology and discusses issues of current concern. In the second, Jeffrey Katzer questions current assumptions underlying information science and discusses communications…