The importance of the interconnectedness of academic, student, and technical support processes intrinsic to the provision of on-line instruction has been frequently depicted as a "service Web," with students at the center of the infrastructure. However, as programming to support distance learning continues to develop, such service Webs have grown…

The authors recognise that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to implementing business intelligence strategy within universities. Elements of best practice have been taken from a case study of Imperial College, which may be applied across other institutions. The process starts with implementing and developing systems that capture…

As universities begin to implement business intelligence tools such as end-user reporting, data warehousing, and dashboard indicators, data quality becomes an even greater and more public issue. With automated tools taking nightly snapshots of the database, the faulty data grow exponentially, propagating as another layer of the data warehouse.…

This study examined unit and item nonresponse rates and ancillary information provided for Web- and paper-based versions of a questionnaire administered to school counselors. Results indicate that the unit nonresponse rate was higher for the Web-based version but that the patterns of item nonresponse found generally did not differ between the…

Objective: To identify food and beverage brand Web sites featuring designated children's areas, assess marketing techniques present on those industry Web sites, and determine nutritional quality of branded food items marketed to children. Design: Systematic content analysis of food and beverage brand Web sites and nutrient analysis of food and…

What happens to print publishing in the age of blogging? College students, faculty and staff swim for hours each day in the Internet, especially via search engines, the blogosphere and social-networking groups--perhaps more than do any other parts of society. Indeed, college campuses live on the Internet, however good or bad this may be for…

A few years ago, Bill Pendziwiatr of Crestwood School District in Pennsylvania helped create a video documenting six local music programs, including snippets of rehearsals and performances by choirs, traditional bands, jazz and rock ensembles, orchestras, even a clapping class. His goal was to distribute the video all over the state so that…

Almost everything is now available online. What is good about this is that in most circumstances, libraries are no longer limited to serving users within just physical spaces. This proves to be a wonderful benefit for users, but sometimes it does not always work out as expected. Those familiar with setting up electronic resources know the…

Social networking Web sites (SNWs) are online tools that have transformed the virtual encounters of the past that were technical and impersonal to today's virtual socialization that is truly nontechnical, social, and interpersonal. This article presents an exploratory study of Indian University students' use of SNWs. The results indicated that…

This article is an analysis of academic library organizational culture, patterns, and processes as they relate to Web services. Data gathered in a research survey is examined in an attempt to reveal current departmental and administrative attitudes, practices, and support for Web services in the library research environment. (Contains 10 tables.)

In a December 2007 "New Yorker" article, "Twilight of the Books," author Caleb Crain laments the decline of literacy in the United States, citing a number of studies indicating that "Americans are losing not just the will to read but even the ability." Many share Crain's angst. While the authors wouldn't disagree with Crain's point, it does beg…

For online music services, an endorsement from colleges is the kiss of death. Ruckus Network, in which more than 200 colleges had signed up with to provide a free and legal alternative to unauthorized file swapping, shut down without warning on February 6, reminding some officials of two years ago when another company, Cdigix, abruptly announced…

Internet connectivity in tertiary institutions in Africa has been summarized in three characteristics-- too little, too expensive and poorly managed (African Tertiary Institutions Connectivity Survey (ATICS), 2006 report). The Internet portal system offers educational organizations the ability to track students needs and promote their programs and…

Success in an online learning environment is tied to both human and system factors. This study illuminates the unique contributions of human factors (comfort with online learning, self-management of learning, and perceived Web self-efficacy) to online learning system success, which is measured in terms of usage and satisfaction. The research model…

This study explores student use of the mobile Web in general and expectations for an academic library's mobile Web site in particular through focus groups with students at Kent State University. Participants expressed more interest in using their mobile Web device to interact with library resources and services than anticipated. Results showed an…