Discusses the need for comprehensive and accurate sources of information for librarians looking for information about online databases or CD-ROMs and compares, examines, and makes recommendations regarding three print and electronic directories--the "Gale Directory of Databases," Bowker's "World Databases," and Waterlow New…

Discusses the EBSCO decision to stop its traditional commercial document delivery business. High prices for copyright clearance, government subsidized services, electronic formats available on the Internet, Web-based services, and consortium-based licensing activities are discussed as influencing the market for document delivery. (LRW)

Provides several directories for college and university administrators to use when purchasing school products or services. Alphabetical listings are provided for products and services, suppliers and manufacturers to education facilities/business market, and a regional breakdown of architectural and consulting firms specializing in education…

An investigation of smoking polices and smoking practices of residents and employees in 106 Massachusetts state-supported residential programs found that state-operated programs prohibited employees from smoking in residences and restricted residents who smoked to designated areas. One-third of vendor-operated agencies allowed residents and staff…

Discussion of competitive intelligence (CI) focuses on recent Web sties and several search techniques that provide valuable CI information. Highlights include links that display business relationships; information from vendors; general business sites; search engine strategies; local business newspapers; job postings; patent and trademark…

The previous head of the Central Library of Riverside City and County Public Library (RCCPL) (California) examines the economic failure of the system and the effects of the move to total outsourcing to a private commercial firm, Library Systems & Services (LSSI). Concludes that RCCPL had problems long before it was outsourced to LSSI. (AEF)

Discusses new pricing models for some online services and considers the possibilities for the traditional online database market. Topics include multimedia music databases, including copyright implications; other retail-oriented databases; and paying for free databases with advertising. (LRW)

Offers advice on the selection of child care administrative software. Directors should consider needs, computer experience, budget, time, and temperament, and should also ask lots of questions and test demo versions. Choices range from custom programs and existing business products to child care administrative software packages. Includes directory…

Discusses why an offer of free roofing help for a school can be very costly, as several New Jersey schools found out the hard way. Offers advice on selecting a qualified roof designer. (EV)

New economy corporate Web sites have pioneered exciting techniques-rich media, interactivity, personalization, community, and integration of much third-party content. Discusses business-to-business (B2B) Web commerce, with examples of several B2B corporate sites; portal and content elements of these sites; and corporate content outlooks. (AEF)

Discusses Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) that converts existing telephone lines into digital circuits which transmit data at 256Kbps to 7 Mbps. Describes ADSL, unique features of "Megabit Services" and initial deployment, costs, and impact on library services (extra bandwidth for Internet services, multimedia or other…

Presents tips for media specialists attending conferences, with a focus on the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Ninth National Conference and Exhibition. Highlights include listing vendors and products, arriving at author signing booths early, taking a methodical tour of the exhibit hall after visiting the "must-see"…

Offers guidelines for schools selecting or upgrading their computers. Highlights include type of user; computer capability; capacity and compatibility; printing; extra features such as zip drives; upgrade capabilities; technical support; and a list of eight vendors with descriptions of the computer hardware they offer for schools. (LRW)

Discussion of the project at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) that experimented with wireless technology focuses on the technical issues involved. Highlights include choosing a vendor; site survey; installing drops; preparing laptop computers that circulated; future issues; and a glossary of wireless terminology. (LRW)

Includes four articles that address issues concerning content management (CM) of organizations or Web sites. Highlights include systems for managing content; computer software-based systems; the role of information architects; CM and publishing; and evaluation criteria for CM implementation via vendors, including pricing and support. (LRW)