In World Trade Organization negotiations, it has been proposed that education be treated as a service to be exchanged for profit. This is contrary to the United Nations covenant that education is a universal human right. Educators need to affirm that knowledge is not a commodity, but something whose benefit increases proportionately with the…

Describes the integration of personal digital assistants into a medical center library's services in Illinois. Discusses training for users; hardware selection; software selection and content; technical support; the role of libraries, including the creation of policies and procedures; and future challenges. (LRW)

Discusses challenges to the library media specialist, particularly the collection developer, in developing a global perspective, analyzing the impact of new technologies on the collection, and promoting understanding of the connectedness of information within the collection. Strategies for promoting global education are suggested. (31 references)…

Profiles X.400, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Application layer standard that supports interpersonal electronic mail services, facsimile transfer, electronic data interchange, electronic funds transfer, electronic publishing, and electronic invoicing. Also discussed are an electronic directory to support message handling, compatibility…

This article proposes a model for a supported, managed effort to create an environment in which faculty can successfully integrate technology into the teaching process. The model is based on needs identified by the information services organization at West Chester University. An alternative financial model is offered. (Author/MLW)

Among six conclusions of a study on computerized literature retrieval by medical students at the University of Missouri were that many students easily became independent users of MEDLINE, that previous computer use was not related to effective MEDLINE use, and that effectively trained students used the MeSH vocabulary as easily as faculty. (DB)

National Mathematics Survey briefly explains multilevel models, examining their power and flexibility as analytical tools. Provides examples of two applied models studying school and pupil variables: (1) data analysis from a National Mathematics Survey (England, Wales, Northern Ireland); and (2) data analysis of pupil attitudes using Hierarchical…

Discusses the information technology requirements for 5- to 11-year-olds under the United Kingdom's 1988 Education Reform Act. Attainment targets set by the curriculum are described for English, mathematics, science, and design and technology, and knowledge and skills required of primary school teachers under the Act are explained. (seven…

Describes two research projects in the United Kingdom to illustrate a social systems approach to the evaluation of computer-based information systems which encompasses organizational, social, and political factors. The relevance of this research to a developing country context is discussed and implications are drawn for research, education, and…

Explores the impact of information technologies on the institutional and organizational arrangements through which scholarly research is supported. Topics discussed include the advent of workstations for scholars that would be linked in with other workstations and with many kinds of information sources world-wide, and the functions which these…

Presents a conceptual model of the information activities of the research library of the future. The future boundary conditions that will affect the library are discussed, including premises about the university, the information industry, technological developments, and governmental priorities. Steps for turning the model into reality are…

Argues that students must be introduced to information technologies to prepare them for the future and recommends that the library media center be made the information center for both teachers and students. Sources of information on CD-ROM, telecommunications, online searching, instructional television, and change strategies are provided,…

Evaluates various aspects of federal information resources management and reviews technological changes within the Department of Agriculture to illustrate current issues and future trends in information resources management. Topics discussed include telecommunications and networking; distributed processing and field office automation; the role of…

Considers some of the ways guidance in career decision-making can meet the needs of students. Explores the use of a computerized system as a tool in guidance activities. Emphasizes the importance of information and understanding for students. Makes suggestions for improving guidance in countries which have minimal data resources. (KO)

Argues that the fee-or-free issue is far from resolved and discusses factors contributing to the debate. These include the impact of technology on social values, arguments for and against user fees, and the impact of technology on library services. A reconceptualization of information as a gift, rather than a commodity, is presented. (25…