Includes two articles that discuss science fiction and future possibilities in information technology: "'Jurassic Park' and Al Jolson: Thinking about the Information Revolution" (Connie Willis) and "The Good and the Bad: Outlines of Tomorrow" (David Brin). (LRW)

Discusses points to consider when planning and implementing an integrated document management system: (1) background; (2) scoping the project; (3) strategic issues; (4) options review; (5) functional requirements; (6) technical requirements; (7) cost benefit analysis; (8) standard operational requirement checklist; (9) evaluation criteria; and…

Discusses the effect of object-oriented programming on the evolution of authoring systems. Topics include the definition of an object; examples of object-oriented authoring interfaces; what object-orientation means to an instructional developer; how object orientation increases productivity and enhances interactivity; and the future of courseware…

Bibliographic Instruction librarians need a more balanced view of technology to present electronic resources in an appropriate context. To help library patrons see the benefits and drawbacks of using computer-based information sources, an assessment of librarians' attitudes, users' attitudes, and librarians' values is necessary. (Author/AEF)

Inconsistencies in librarians' professional identification and self-image are seen as partly responsible for the limited effectiveness of instructional programs and for the lack of a central position in the information society. Considers ramifications of faculty status; implications of the commitment to intellectual freedom; obligations implied by…

Presents an overview of the second Text Retrieval Conference (TREC-2), an opinion paper about the program, and nine papers by participants that show a range of techniques used in TREC. Topics include traditional text retrieval and information technology, efficiency, the use of language processing techniques, unusual approaches to text retrieval,…

Discusses methodological issues arising from the evaluation of the impact of IT-assisted information systems on information-seeking and research in academia. Learning and use of information technology by academics was observed over time by using diaries, interviews, discussion, and observation. Results indicate that academic research is a complex…

Factors driving the shift from analog to digital video storage and retrieval are discussed, including improved compression techniques, reduced hardware costs, and increased network demands. Characteristics of digital video and various compression procedures are described. Applications and guidelines for use of digital video in higher education…

Discusses legal issues involved in developing and distributing multimedia publications. Examines libel; rights of publicity; and such elements of copyright law as copyright protections and infringements, fair use and public domain policies, and use of ideas and factual materials. Uses a hypothetical multimedia project to illustrate the legal rules…

Examines the history and process of information policy in Canada during the period from 1970 to 1994. Discusses the relationship of the Canadian federal government and the electronic information industry, crown copyright, the financial environment in the context of government policy, and recent developments. (235 references) (Author/AEF)

Examines potential solutions to the problem of personal computer cabling and configuration and serial port performance, namely "FireWire" (P1394) and "Universal Serial Bus" (USB). Discusses interface design, technical capabilities, user friendliness, compatibility, costs, and future perspectives. (AEF)

Summarizes the current state of the field of information technology and suggests a way of segmenting potential users of instructional programs and technologies to better match educational goals and objectives with social realities such as cost considerations. Interactive programs and distance learning are discussed and case studies are reviewed.…

Reviews technological innovations that have allowed the emergence of digital libraries and fostered new multidisciplinary collaborations; identifies areas of collaboration between librarians and engineers; and gives examples from digital spatial library projects funded by the National Science Foundation that involve maps, cataloging, data…

Defines and describes virtual reality technology and differentiates between virtual learning environment, learning material, and learning tools. Links learning rationales to virtual reality technology to pave conceptual foundations for application of virtual reality technology education. Constructivism, case-based learning, problem-based learning,…

Discusses use of a mail survey to study the extent to which the hospitality industry employs various information technologies, including computer-mediated communication systems. Finds that hotel/motel size and chain affiliation are related to information system complexity, and that chain-affiliated hotels provide less computer and…