Discussion of sustainable communities, or sustainable development, focuses on the ethical role of information in fostering sustainable environmental development. Topics include background information, developments in information technology, permaculture in the area of horticulture and information ethics, information ethics models, hardware…

Four conference presenters discuss and define the concept and implementation of interactive television, focusing on transmission technologies; how one interacts with programs; who is involved with interactive television; and potential services enabled by new technologies. (JKP)

Discusses the evolution of real-time telephony and broadcast applications using the Internet; resulting issues and opportunities; and future implications for regulators, Internet users, and service providers. Topics covered include bandpass, packetized voice, IP structures, class D datagrams, software, technical parameters, legal and regulatory…

Discusses the dilemma of national policy formation for information technology in the context of the national information infrastructure in the United States. Reviews technological forces shaping the convergence of computers and communications, describes current and future services, service providers and markets, and concludes with implications for…

Survey of 408 office support personnel (63% response) showed their information technology skills were strong in text-intensive technologies and weak in management technologies (spreadsheet, database, electronic/voice mail). They thought the quality of their jobs was moderately high, finding tasks involving text, data, and graphics to require…

Presents an historical overview of Vannevar Bush's efforts to develop a machine for free-form indexing and computerized information retrieval. Descriptions of the Memex concept and two related machines--the Rapid Selector and the Comparator--are provided; and the shift in emphasis to a device for business or cryptanalytic purposes is discussed.…

Discusses the future of the library profession and suggests that librarianship could become marginalized (i.e., its significance could be diminished) as a result of automation if librarians do not broaden their vision and keep pace with technology. The roles of libraries, librarians, and library automation in an infrastructure for information…

It is proposed that too many executives, in industry and higher education, don't yet understand the need to transform their organizations to survive in the information economy. The executive must engage in the process of creating opportunities to strategically apply information technology. Five campus information technology managers respond. (MSE)

Discusses the importance of the next article in this issue, which deals with the acceptance of electronic or optical forms of data as evidence during litigation. The collection and storage of data in new formats is described, and the need for technological knowledge for attorneys acting as general counsel to agencies is discussed. (LRW)

Presents guidelines prepared by Department of Justice Management Division staff to provide an understanding of the rules of evidence as they apply to electronically filed records and ensure that appropriate agency procedures are instituted in creating and maintaining such records. Hearsay, authentication, and the laying of a proper foundation are…

Describes some of the new roles and challenges librarians face with the development of new information technologies such as computer networks and document delivery systems. It is argued that librarians will increasingly fill the role of information intermediary as patrons take advantage of end-user systems. (12 references) (LAE)

Outlines the economic factors that influence the development of standards, noting that standards may develop through market mechanisms, organizations that combine market participants, and government guidance. Each of these mechanisms may produce desirable outcomes or distort them, depending on market structure, chance, historical events, and costs…

Discussion of the widespread use of CD-ROM technology in African countries lists reasons why CD-ROM is well suited to developing countries, including advantages for database distributors, users, and funding agencies; describes a 1990 Africa-wide CD-ROM conference; and addresses goals for a proposed clearinghouse and remaining problems with CD-ROM…

Presents a summary of the issues addressed at a national meeting sponsored by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), the goal of which was to produce a national agenda for research in the archival management of electronic records. Research opportunities and methodologies are identified, and criteria for research…

Assessed the impact of the Mobile Digital Terminal technology (computers used to communicate with remote crime databases) on motor vehicle theft clearance (arresting a perpetrator) and recovery rates in Fort Worth (Texas), using a time series analysis. Impact has been ambiguous, with little evidence of improved clearance or recovery. (SLD)