Examines 900 job announcements published in four journals in 1996 and uses content analysis to compare requirements and benefits among various positions in academic libraries. Compares results with an earlier study from 1988, including levels of computer skills, foreign language requirements, previous work experience, educational requirements, and…

Describes a study that investigated the use of a natural language processing technique called noun phrasing to determine whether it is a viable technique for medical information retrieval. Evaluates four noun phrase generation tools for their ability to isolate noun phrases from medical journal abstracts, focusing on precision and recall.…

The best CD-ROMs for young people about space and flight exploit the promise of hypermedia to create informative simulations. This article provides an annotated bibliography of CD-ROMs on astronomy and flight for K-12 students; suggests book and Internet connections; and highlights poetry for astronomers, science fiction, a biography of Charles…

Presents observations about developments in information technology that will influence the information industry and libraries of the future. Discusses search engine capabilities; push technology; electronic commerce; WebTV; and optical discs with links to Web sites. Ten figures provide illustrations and charts. (AEF)

Argues that middle schools must help students maintain and increase their abilities in reading. Describes a range of approaches and opportunities to emphasize reading in middle schools, including teams of teachers, tools for teachers, media specialists, public libraries, business partnerships, summertime reading programs, and thematic units. (SR)

Any teacher who reflects on teaching knows that he or she learns as much if not more from students as vice-versa. One means of encouraging this communication in a basic reference course is described--a culminating project which asks students to choose a word with which to review sources and to present the results in an organized way. (Author)

Discussion of combating stereotypes of Native Americans in literature and educational resources focuses on the need to promote information literacy in order to develop students' critical thinking skills that will help with problem solving, decision-making, and creative thinking. Highlights include integrating critical thinking; resources for…

Describes how schools and public libraries can link with their communities in public networks (freenets) to provide access to the Internet and other community and educational resources. Discusses the origins of cybercasting, how freenets are used, an educational online service called Academy One, telecommunications community projects in Montana…

Describes the use of reader's theater in school libraries and suggests titles that are suitable to use for elementary school students and young adults. Topics discussed include using reader's theater with parents at parent organization meetings; collaborating with teachers for classroom presentations; the importance of dialog; and benefits to…

Describes a study conducted at Illinois State University that compared the results achieved by library users searching the ERIC database on CD-ROM with the results achieved by individual and teamed skilled intermediaries. Evaluation of library services is discussed, patron search strategies are examined, and strategies for improving patron…

Discusses a Kansas court case that addressed First Amendment rights of students when a book was banned from a school library. Topics include motivation of school board members, students' rights to information versus denial of access to ideas, viewpoint discrimination, and educational suitability. A sidebar presents viewpoints of the book's author.…

Presents techniques that in the author's experience have helped middle-school students produce better, more original work. Alternative formats to the traditional report project, clear assignment criteria, a grading rubric, and instruction in visual communication are all valuable. A model with which teachers can reduce plagiarism and promote…

The proceedings of the Association of College and Research Libraries for 1978-92 were used to investigate the scholarly activity of academic librarians. Institutions were ranked by scholarly production and the results were compared to earlier published studies. Bibliometric data revealed a core of dominant institutions and widespread conformity to…

Reviews recent telecommunications activities in Maine. Highlights include state legislation that addresses regulatory developments; public utilities; public access through libraries; education networks, including elementary and secondary schools and higher education; Internet access; economic and community development; and the governor's…

Explores the disaggregation (ability to access/manipulate individual components of a document) and reaggregation (compilation of article components into a new written work) of scientific and technical journal articles by students and faculty members. Results lead to a discussion of metadata, the role of context in constraining component use, and…