This paper describes the new phase of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) initiative in Information Technology in Education for the period 1988-93. The first sections of the paper discuss the rationale and framework of the program as a whole, followed by outlines of the initial programs of research started in autumn 1988 to investigate…

New technology refers to computing and telecommunications technology--also known as information technology (IT)--which is used to create, store, handle, send, receive, and display information. Information technology has great potential for knowledge processing, and should be valuable for teaching. However, although IT's impact on curriculum in…

This report examines how new information and communications technology may affect the economic system in which knowledge-based products and services are created, produced, packaged, distributed, delivered, and used. The following issues are considered: (1) the economic basis for the system of property rights in intellectual property, copyrights,…

The planning and implementation of a voice mail system at the University of Maryland at Baltimore is described. A general discussion of voice information processng systems is offered and a preliminary evaluation of the voice mail experiment is provided. (Author/MLW)

The author defines information technology and describes the Education Utility, an integrated information technology system. The Education Utility was developed by National Information Utilities Corporation. (CH)

Reviews the history of classified information regulation during recent administrations and describes the Poindexter memorandum, which addresses the electronic storage and transmission of sensitive, but unclassified information. The discussion covers the reaction of the Special Libraries Association to the memorandum, and the need to balance…

Effective support for end users of computers has been an important issue in higher education from the first applications of general purpose mainframe computers through minicomputers, microcomputers, and supercomputers. The development of end user support is reviewed and organizational models are examined. (Author/MLW)

Discussion of factors that influence a publisher's choice of electronic and media delivery techniques; assesses use of diskettes, Bernoulli removable cartridge disks, CD-ROM, modems using dial-up phone lines, leased phone lines, satellites, and FM subcarriers. Sample data sizings are evaluated, and a cost model of electronic delivery costs is…

Presents a sociohistorical analysis of the development of a set of basic information technologies, namely, abstract symbols for quantities of space and time, and the formulation of computational strategies. Shows how numbers and geometry can be seen to reflect increases in a society's knowledge and social organization. (ARH)

Describes hypermedia, which allow the associative retrieval, manipulation, and storage of music, video, text, and graphics. Examples of applications are given, the use of hypermedia with interactive video and with microcomputers is discussed, and their implications for library and information specialists are explored. (12 references) (CLB)

Reports results of a 1987 survey of the British membership of Aslib on the use of information technology in libraries and information centers. Responses are analyzed in four areas: (1) hardware; (2) software applications and packages; (3) online searching; and (4) new technologies for communications, document delivery, and information storage. (2…

Argues that organizations are becoming increasingly complex as a response to diverse environmental demands. Describes how information technology can be employed to simplify organizations and reverse this trend. Also describes the federated organizational structure, analogous to the United States. Considers the potential contribution of…

Presents an operational definition of personal information retrieval systems and describes design principles of current applications and existing systems, current trends, and research guidelines for general design principles. (4 references) (Author/CLB)

Addresses some problems associated with technological change and examines the nature of data and technology, organizations, and computer-mediated work. Concepts of sociotechnical systems design are related to library automation, and a set of strategies for facilitating technological change is proposed. (29 references) (Author/CLB)

With more and more users in colleges and universities relying on electronic information, the need for a contingency plan in the event of a disaster has become more pressing. Setting objectives, impact analysis, interim processing strategy, working with users, and a two-level approach are discussed. (MLW)