Libraries' dependence on computers can lead to frustrations for patrons and staff during downtime caused by computer system failures. Advice for reducing the number of crashes is provided, focusing on improved training for systems staff, better management of library systems, and the development of computer systems using quality components which…

A mortgage services company conducted a cost benefit analysis of a computer-based training program for its payment application process. A test group showed a 21% increase in speed of making payments, an 81% increase in accuracy, a reduction of average training time by nearly 65%, and improved morale. Program design, development, authoring, and…

Explores capabilities of extranets (collaborative information networks between partner institutions) from the perspective of the school and university environment. Introduces distinctive features. Presents strategies and techniques for facilitating the extranet design and implementation process and delineates tactics for safeguarding extranets…

Reports results of a research project assessing state-funded community networking (CN) sites in India. Explores the organization of information resources and services provided by 24 Web-based community networks, examines the core design principles that have been most useful in the development of these sites, and assesses strategies currently used…

Suggests a new infrastructure--the digital plant--for supporting flexible Web campus environments. Describes four categories which make up the infrastructure: personal communication tools and applications; network of networks for the Web campus; dedicated servers and software applications; software applications and services from external…

Describes functionality and user interface issues associated with the design of an automated system that provides a visually based online index to multimedia information for higher education. Topics include online lectures; bibliographic access; and the need for a hypermedia system that presents an integrated view of the materials with graceful…

A portal is the digital infrastructure for an online campus. Community portals, online service portals, and enterprise-wide platforms represent the three basic portal variations available for online campuses. They are differentiated by the offices represented, the campus audience served, and benefits provided to the school as a whole. (PGS)

"The Research Assistant," was developed to help graduate students and faculty manage the quantity of available information, to be able to read it, synthesize it, and create new insights and knowledge. "The Research Assistant" was designed using the Filemaker Pro relational database and can be set up in a networked environment to be used in…

Presents findings from four studies of the prevalence of multitasking information seeking and searching by Web (via the Excite search engine), information retrieval system (mediated online database searching), and academic library users. Highlights include human information coordinating behavior (HICB); and implications for models of information…

Details the three phases the Jack Brause Library Real Estate Periodical Index (New York University) has gone through since it first went to an electronic format. Discusses beginning the electronic database, issues on electronic storage and use, implementing more user-friendly software, and the transition to the Web. (AEF)

Focuses on the three components of legacy in the information industry: data, systems, and human factors. Discusses psychological legacy data; data conversions; characteristics of legacy systems for the information industry; database producers; standards; evaluating legacy from a financial perspective; financial considerations for database…

Describes the development, implementation, operations, and benefits of the ATHENS (authentication system) access-management system which was introduced in 1996 and extended in 1997 to provide access-control facilities to online resources for all the national data centers and services in the United Kingdom. Outlines future plans for ATHENS. (AEF)

Outlines the services that could be provided by a national digital library for science, mathematics, and technology education. Provides a list of links that lead to further discussion about the possible uses, architecture, and features of such a digital library. (AEF)

Describes a tool for building software systems which replace the role of the examiner during a typical Italian academic exam in technical/scientific subjects. Such systems are designed to exploit the advantages of self-adapted testing for reducing effects of anxiety, and of computerized adaptive testing for increasing assessment efficiency.…

We present the design principles for a new kind of computer system that helps students learn algebra. The fundamental idea is to have a system based on the microworld paradigm that allows students to make their own calculations, as they do with paper and pencil, without being obliged to use commands, and to verify the correctness of these…