Provides background and context for the issue of outsourcing. Illustrates the practice as it exists in libraries. Offers a model for analyzing outsourcing alternatives and a scenario for testing the model, and suggests alternate approaches for management. (Contains 52 references.) (AEF)

New communication and information technology is transforming the structure and law governing information markets and the economic, social, cultural, and political patterns of societies. This article discusses the effects of information technology (telecommuting, job growth in rural areas, distance education) and the role of the European Commission…

Investigates pupils' abilities to interpret graphical information using a comparative study involving data-logging, conventional practical work, and a nonpractical equivalent. Concludes that the computer-based approach seemed to be particularly effective for younger and less-abled pupils. (Author/ASK)

A delegate with the People to People Ambassador program describes her visit to Russia in 1997, focusing on facilities, collections, and services of the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg, Fundamentals Library of St. Petersburg State Technical University and Open Library Systems Center, National Library of Russia (St. Petersburg), and Russian…

Provides an account of efforts made to impart education and training of information technology (IT) at six library schools in Pakistan. Presents a brief history of library education in the country, and describes the rationale of IT education for Pakistani librarians. Provides recommendations for improvement in IT training, discussing factors…

Examines the forces of cultural value and specificity in relation to information in the Arab world. Contends that information is integral and inseparable from the belief systems, political and cultural values, and ethical principles of any given society. Describes socio-political and economic factors. (AEF)

Discusses the need for technological literacy and describes its benefits. Offers applications for information technology in secondary agricultural education and preservice teacher education. (JOW)

Explains the development of a research perspective in pedagogy and information and communication technologies (ICT) in the context of visual education and the digital arts. Highlights include the Brighton Media Arts Project; media arts and ICT literacy; influences of culture, subject knowledge, and pedagogy; and teachers' perspectives and…

Describes a ten-year study of humanists that revealed the impact of temporal factors on their adoption of electronic information technology. Identifies four types of time that influenced humanists' behavior; discusses how electronic resources content affects whether a scholar adopts an electronic resource; and suggests how academic librarians can…

Discusses results of a survey developed to determine if school library media specialists perceive that they have been able to implement their roles as described in "Information Power" (1988 and 1998). Also investigates whether they perceive it is important to assume a leadership role in the use of instructional technology. (Author/LRW)

Describes a survey of microcomputer use for adults with learning disability within The Home Farm Trust, a United Kingdom national organization for people with learning disability that was carried out in light of a planned organization-wide initiative to introduce modern information and communications technology to service users. (Author/LRW)

States that although many organizations offer training courses, they also rely on educational institutions to provide training and proper credentials. Discusses the recent demand for skills in information technology (IT) and how it has generated a wide range of courses offered by community colleges. Addresses how competency in IT is assessed, and…

Discusses the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in homes and its impact on teachers in schools, based partly on case studies of British secondary schools. Topics include home learning environments; the National Curriculum for England and Wales; and initial teacher training curriculum for ICT. (LRW)

Examines library automation product introductions and conversions to new operating systems. Compares user satisfaction ratings of the following library software packages: DOS/Windows, UNIX, Macintosh, and DEC VAX/VMS. Software is rated according to documentation, service/support, training, product reliability, product capabilities, ease of use,…

Discussion of disparities between developed and developing nations and the influence of information technology focuses on the newly industrializing countries of South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan and their development of the information sectors as strategic industries to gain international competitiveness. Topics include information activities,…