Reviews proposed legislation of the 101st Congress and discusses other factors that contribute to the national information policy. Highlights include federal information sources in electronic format; the Paperwork Reduction Act; legislation for the development of a National Research and Education Network (NREN); and the role of the Government…

Discusses the traditional role and functions of research library technical services departments and examines the impact of electronic information and information technology on technical services. It is argued that technical services units will stagnate if they do not accept the responsibility of becoming technologically adept. (19 references) (CLB)

A procedure--"theophrastisation"--is described to present empirical results of an investigation clearly so that teachers can apply them. Other normative implications of empirical research are discussed with reference to a previous study of adult computer novices. Perspectives on adult education in general are discussed. (SLD)

Discusses issues involved in obtaining patents for computer software. Topics discussed include copyright protection; algorithms and other software processes within programs; the software industry and the effects of patenting; perspectives on software patents within higher education; cost factors; and the use of patents to control information…

Seven articles discuss topics related to information activities supported by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC): (1) background on the Information Science Division; (2) advances in information technology; (3) the role of information specialists; (4) information networking in Latin America; (5) reaching information users; (6)…

Describes ways in which information handling techniques will eventually be used in public administration, focusing on technologies that automate routine administrative processes and support decision making. The need to develop a long range concept for continued full employment of administrative staff is discussed. (two references) (CLB)

Argues that, as institutions of higher education make the transition from the initial planning of technological infrastructures to the stage of forming linkages between information technology and academic goals, the chief information officer becomes responsible for forming strategic relationships that integrate the goals of the institutions's…

Maintains that, contrary to popular predictions of their decentralizing impact, digital communications contribute to new and more complex forms of corporate integration on a global scale. Discusses how to deflect the centralizing spatial bias of new communications technology. (SR)

The results of a study at Virginia Tech which has a recent history of decentralized computing, are reported. The advantage of increased control in the decentralized environment was offset by the lack of experience in planning for computing at the academic and administrative operating levels. (Author/MLW)

Presents an attempt to develop an integrated overall management information system growth and integration theory for small organizations. The three dimensions that facilitate information integration progress (i.e., electronic data processing evolution, computerized tools, and user types) are presented, analyzed, and characterized. Guidelines for…

Addresses socio-political implications of open and distance learning (ODL) technology, which is viewed as a new form of marketing for the distribution of knowledge. The influence of information technology is discussed, the nature and the purpose of post-modern knowledge is described, and challenges to humanistic education are discussed. (36…

Describes a study that compared retrieval obtained by searching hardcopy and online indexes. Measures of comparison were recall and precision, user preferences, and the amount of effort required to complete the search. The findings indicate that neither method offers an overall advantage and suggest that both search modes should be maintained. (12…

A survey of 1,547 library science students measured the academic and occupational preparation of librarians entering the profession, focusing on their capability to handle current technology and respond to patron needs. Findings were compared with those of earlier studies, and it was concluded that improved curriculum, recruitment, and…

Describes the development of the American university and uses the political economics paradigm to describe the relationship between the academic library and its parent university. The discussion covers the anarchic nature of the university and the implications for the academic library. (35 notes with references) (CLB)

The experiences of Seattle Pacific University as it changed from closed-shop to end-user computing are described. Once departments got over the initial shock of servicing the many nitty-gritty job requests formerly handled within computer services, they began to like the new system. (MLW)