Motivated by the brain, neural networks are a right-brained approach to artificial intelligence that is used to recognize patterns based on previous training. In practice, one would not program an expert system to recognize a pattern and one would not train a neural network to make decisions from rules; but one could combine the best features of…

A fundamental change is taking place in the nature and application of technology in business, a change with profound and far-reaching implications for companies of every size and shape. A multimillion dollar research program conducted by the DMR Group, Inc., studied more than 4,500 organizations in North America, Europe, and the Far East to…

This paper reviews the incompatibilities among federal government electronic records and explores the potential use of electronic file transfer in the National Archives. It begins by explaining the procedures of the current Center for Electronic Records (NNX) for dealing with accessioning, preservation, and reference tapes. The advantages and…

This handbook was written for use with the Argonne National Laboratory's electronic bulletin board system (BBS) called NEWTON, which is designed to create an electronic network that will link scientists, teachers, and students with the many diversified resources of the Argonne National Laboratory. The link to Argonne will include such resources as…

This report focuses on the pivotal technical issues associated with the National Information Infrastructure program, security and privacy, interoperability, and reliability, and presents the General Accounting Office's findings on these challenges. It is reported that while the structures and services to be offered by the information superhighway…

Integrated Online Library Systems (IOLS) focuses exclusively on the issues of planning and managing automated systems in libraries and information centers. The theme of the 1994 IOLS annual meeting was "Coordinating Access to Multiple Systems," and 29 papers were selected for presentation that provide insight into the current…

This paper reports on a study examining what critical information in the Hazardous Materials Information eXchange (HMIX), a national electronic bulletin board sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is of value to local government officials who have a need for the information. HMIX has two…

This 15-minute videotape introduces viewers to ERIC and emphasizes ERIC's connection to the electronic information highway. Topics covered include (1) the basic structure of the ERIC system, including the 16 subject-specialized clearinghouses; (2) benefits offered, including publications, the ERIC database, information quality, and the ERIC…

This kit was developed to assist the postsecondary education community's efforts to resolve the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem. The kit includes a description of the Y2K problem, an assessment of the readiness of colleges and universities, a checklist for institutions, a Y2K communications strategy, articles on addressing the problem in academic…

This newsletter features innovations in resource management and information technology to support New York State government. The newsletter contains the following six sections: (1) "Electronic Commerce: Government Services in the New Millennium" -- examining the need for government involvement in electronic commerce policy and…

This issue of "Art to Zoo" examines the "mysteries" surrounding the Internet and offers simple "pointers" on how to access the Smithsonian's teaching materials. Many of the materials are available online. Articles include: (1) "What is the Internet?"; (2) "Connecting to the Internet"; (3) "Internet Shopping List"; (4) "Internet Terms"; (5) "A…

This annual report describes the activities of the Commission on Preservation and Access, a private, nonprofit organization that works through existing institutions and groups to foster, develop, and support collaboration among libraries and allied organizations in order to ensure the preservation of the published and documentary record in all…

This paper provides an overview of electronic mail (e-mail) systems and identifies curricular applications of common systems available to educators. Highlights include an outline of selected e-mail services; a description of hardware and software needed to use e-mail; an introduction to the Internet; a look at how e-mail systems help students; and…

This handbook was written by the Argonne National Laboratory for use with their electronic bulletin board system (BBS) called Newton. Newton is an educational BBS for use by teachers, students, and parents. Topics range from discussions of science fair topics to online question and answer sessions with scientists. Future capabilities will include…

Classroom-based, real-time communication networks are in wide use for college-level reading and writing instruction and are now being adopted for use in elementary and secondary classes. Teachers use this network-based approach to literacy instruction (known as ENFI--Electronic Networks for Interaction) to support authentic reading and writing,…