The philosophy, design, implementation and evaluation of a World Wide Web-accessible Virtual Library Tour of Texas A & M University's Evans Library is presented. Its design combined technical computer issues and library instruction expertise. The tour can be used to simulate a typical walking tour through the library or heading directly to a…

Reviews the research on maintaining information currency in reference collections. Discusses age versus use; continuity of maintenance; problems with irregularly published works; manual maintenance methods; computer-assisted methods; assignment of responsibility; and collection management/maintenance policies. Suggests how to improve reference…

Examines how emerging technologies may reshape both face-to-face and distance education. Delineates a three-part conceptual framework (knowledge webs, virtual communities, and shared synthetic environments) for understanding the new types of instructional messages that enable distributed learning. (Author/AEF)

Describes a computer-based concept mapping tool that provides rich representational capabilities, including dynamic imagery (video, animated images, sound) and multiple levels of abstraction. The tool can automatically translate a concept map into an alternative representation-an outline-that contains all of the knowledge contained in a…

Reports on a one-year action research study at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) which explored processes by which a cohort of postgraduate teacher trainees learned personal information and communication technology (ICT) skills. Discusses learning strategies reported by students in interviews; considers previous experience and software…

Presents a proposal for a digital newspaper in Spain that would serve as a resource for media education and teaching new technologies. Topics covered include: the aims of media education; the Internet as a new communication channel; objectives of the project; the content of the digital newspaper; and project management. (MES)

Presents a literature review that covers the following topics related to the Internet and unrefereed scholarly publishing: conceptions of scholarly publishing and scholarly communication; research manuscripts and preprints; the growth of unrefereed e-script publishing; a hybrid publishing model; controversies about communication via unrefereed…

Explores the creation of a computer laboratory that was built for the graduate program in planning, policy, and leadership studies. Provides background information and a description of the laboratory. Discusses the training and orientation of the users, general maintenance of the laboratory, the personnel, and the maintenance costs involved. (CMK)

Explains the technology of biometrics, the science of identifying a person by unique physical characteristics, and its application in the fight against terrorism. Argues that biometrics, such as hand readers, fingerprint readers, and eye scans, are reliable and efficient. Also describes proximity cards, digital tracking systems, and smart cards.…

Includes five articles that examine key trends in the development of the public Web: size and growth, internationalization, and metadata usage; Flexible Extensible Digital Object and Repository Architecture (Fedora) for use in digital libraries; developments in the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI); the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna…

Suggests that varied and often understated uses of copyrighted materials exist in academic settings. Introduces four "frames" of reference: Academic, Technological, Social, and Market. Presents court cases relevant to each frame. Explores two scenarios involving use of copyrighted materials. As technology increases both access and control, the…

Presents a case study of two classes that created a community of learners across the expanse of the North American continent and the Pacific Ocean. Participants in the Russell Scholars Program of the University of Southern Maine and the Rainbow Advantage Program of the University of Hawaii at Manoa collaborated on a traveling art exhibit entitled…

Describes the development of the national integrated online information network in the Republic of China. Highlights include a history of library and information automation in Taiwan, the coordination efforts of the central government, creation of the Chinese MARC format, and automation under the leadership of the National Central Library.…

This column identifies 10 World Wide Web sites for information pertaining to assistive technologies and services for persons with disabilities. Affiliated with the American Association of Higher Education (AAHE), this list is geared for librarians concerned with providing equal access and quality services to their patrons with disabilities.…

Three major forces will alter colleges and universities in the next decade: high student costs, and resulting pressure to cut expenses; new information technologies; and a demand for more attention to student learning. Faculty roles will be restructured to integrate technology, which will have implications for the student's role in the learning…