Presents a methodology for analyzing patterns of usage of a Web-based library catalog and evaluates the methodology with data collected from the transaction logs of the Web interface version of the University of California's Melvyl Systemwide Library Catalog. Results revealed major differences in usage (number of searches, search time, number of…

Introduces a research project on water quality in which students from two different high schools collaborate with university science methods students. Includes the analyses of air temperature, water temperature, fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen, phosphate level, turbidity, and pH level. Integrates biology, environmental sciences, physical…

Investigated how health educators currently used computers and how they expected to use them in the future. Surveys of practicing health educators at many types of sites indicated that important current abilities included Internet, word processing, and electronic presentation skills. Important future tasks and skills included developing computer…

Discusses strategies to help students improve their research skills when using the Internet. Considers questioning techniques that can lead to deeper learning; identifying information problems; selecting appropriate keywords; search engines versus subject directories; Boolean operators; information literacy; library bookmarks; and using high…

Reviews published studies of Web searching. Proposes a framework for future studies that will facilitate comparison of results. Presents advantages of such a framework, and discusses the implications for the design of Web information retrieval systems studies. Compares/contrasts the searching characteristics of Web users with users of traditional…

Describes the famous swing bridge in Belize. Students build bridges from a variety of materials and answer the questions, What are different types of bridges?, How do bridges work?, How can you tell if a bridge design will be safe?, and What is the best way to build a bridge over a river while still allowing boat traffic? (SAH)

Surveys the recent literature on scholarly publishing and its conversion to the electronic medium. Presents results of a questionnaire survey of the United Kingdom-based scholarly publishing industry. Results suggest publishers are moving quickly towards use of the Internet as a major medium for distribution, though they do not expect an early…

This case study shows how an English-as-a-Second-Language teenager in the United States created literacy experiences for himself through involvement in various forms of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on the Internet. Analyzes the learner's information on textual identity through the theoretical constructs of voice, design, and…

Assuming that our society is determined to bridge the digital divide, we must develop policies that tackle the issue as comprehensively as possible. To continue to proceed, we must better leverage literacy programs to interface with Internet-access programs and we must encourage the expansion of public interest Web content. (Author)

Explains a team approach to writing grants that was developed at the Southern University (Louisiana) library to meet their need for updated technology. Discusses the need for outside funding sources for academic libraries; team responsibilities; the library director's role; and the role of the Internet as a source of information. (Contains 2…

Discusses Internet-based electronic content management in digital libraries and considers the future of academic libraries. Topics include digital technologies; content management systems; standards; bandwidth; security and privacy concerns; legal matters, including copyrights and ownership; lifecycle; and multilingual access and interface. (LRW)

Discussion of ethical and social responsibility issues that are raised in "Information Power II: Partnerships for Learning" (ALA, 1998) focuses on plagiarism, especially from the Internet. Presents ideas helpful to library media specialists and teachers, including suggestions for prevention when assigning research papers; and includes…

Canadian surveys of approximately 1,000 parents and 5,600 students aged 9-17 revealed student behaviors related to surfing the Web and engaging in online communication; differences in parent and student perceptions of students' Internet activities and the extent of parental supervision; and students' access to pornographic and violent Web sites.…

Reports on the development of a visual search interface called "SearchKids" to support children ages 5-10 years in their efforts to find animals in a hierarchical information structure. Investigates whether children can construct search queries to conduct complex searches if sufficiently supported both visually and conceptually. (Contains 27…

Describes the introduction of a web-based package, WebCT, to support student learning in a large metabolism and nutrition class. Reports that student usage of the site was generally high and that students who achieved a high overall score completed on average three times as many formative assessments as students who did poorly. (Author/MM)