Identifies issues on the use of computer networks in K-12, business, and university environments, and reviews elements that play a major role in shaping wide-area networking use in elementary and secondary education. Discussion includes the technical and logistical elements, issues related to user attitudes and characteristics, and social and…

Describes how general systems theory was used to develop a system for infusing computer technology into teacher education at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (TX). Topics include strategic alignment; curriculum development; distance learning programs using the Internet; assessment of preservice and inservice teacher performance; and an…

The first of two articles on multiuser access to CD-ROM databases examines options that do not involve a local area network (LAN). Hardware and software requirements, advantages, and disadvantages for several alternatives are described. A product and company directory is included. (MES)

Traces the development of database production and the online industry in Australia, focusing on recent trends, problems and prospects for future online and CD-ROM use. Argues that new pricing arrangements can provide growth in a market fragmented by increases in specialization and government information, and in numbers of vendors, databases, end…

Argues that advanced networks, particularly BITNET, NSFNET (National Science Foundation Network), Internet, and NREN (National Research and Education Network) can simplify global networking as well as library functions and interfaces; provide easier and more cost-effective connection of the research and education communities; and transport very…

Describes an ACRL (American College and Research Libraries) project that utilized the electronic conferencing facility of BITNET to provide a system of mentoring for academic librarians conducting research. Results of an electronic mail survey of participants that examined experience levels, attitudes, problems, and communication patterns are…

Discussion of computer-mediated communication (CMC) describes the SIPP (Survey of Income and Program Participation) ACCESS project, which provides access to statistical data through electronic networks; summarizes research on use of CMC by scientists; profiles communication by social scientists in the SIPP ACCESS network; and offers policy…

Describes a research project in which elementary students with learning disabilities participate in both individual and cooperative computer-enhanced writing sessions, using three types of topics: free choice, literature based, and fantasy based. Finds the computer-enhanced whole-language writing sessions more instructionally effective than the…

This overview of the 1991 EDUCOM meeting in San Diego, California, reviews and summarizes the general sessions; panel discussions on integrated library systems and computer networks; and sessions on information management, women in computing, information technology planning, intellectual property, telecommunications issues, information use,…

Reviews the history of OCLC and describes current and future objectives. Highlights include membership; network affiliations; cataloging services; interlibrary loan; EPIC, a new reference system; a new telecommunications network; PRISM, a new online system for cataloging and resource sharing; pricing strategies; international operations; and…

Describes the implementation of the Integrated Information Center at the University of Minnesota that was developed to evaluate a model for integrating information delivery in a networked campus environment. Organizational factors that shaped its development are discussed, including the lack of a campuswide information policy and a lack of…

Investigates the socioeconomic and gender equality aspects of the public's use of PEN (Public Electronic Network), a computer-based interactive communication system provided free to residents of Santa Monica (California). Topics discussed include public terminals; use by homeless people and by women; and participation in political communication…

Describes the development of a Government Information Locator Service as part of the National Information Infrastructure that will identify and describe public information resources throughout the federal government and provide assistance in obtaining the information. Access through the Internet, electronic mail, CD-ROM, and printed materials is…

Analyzes information technology used in networks and cooperative systems to access primary documents and its impact on the information industry. The concordance between old and new technologies in traditional and virtual libraries is considered. Discussion includes the resulting paradoxes, such as more people accessing relatively smaller…

Discusses the National Information Infrastructure and presents the research and development experiences of three educational networking projects associated with the University of Kansas. Topics addressed include network information services; designing information retrieval interfaces for educators, including the use of hypermedia and Boolean…