Fundamental changes in the economic structure of library and information services are forcing a reexamination of values and policies. Technological advances are shifting the debate from "fee or free" services to broader issues; and changes in the way information is created, valued, and distributed are changing public- and private-sector…

Six articles cover topics related to the impact of the Internet on reference services, including Internet's effect on communication between reference librarians; integrating the use of electronic resources with traditional reference duties; reference services and the virtual library; offering remote services; Internet instruction; and Internet…

The eight chapters of this theme issue discuss recent research and theory concerning computer-based integrated learning systems. Following an introduction about their theoretical background and current use in schools, the effects of using computer-based integrated learning systems in the elementary school classroom are considered. (SLD)

Planning for a computer use "help desk" at Kenyon College (Ohio) was constrained by very limited resources. However, careful and thorough planning resulted in a low-budget, homegrown, but highly effective facility. Staffing, training, staff communication, and marketing the service were essential elements in its success. (MSE)

Describes an inservice program to improve the skills of school personnel who work with at-risk students that was set up as a collaboration between teachers in elementary and secondary public schools and Indiana University. The use of audiographics, coursework delivery, supervision of practicum projects, and the benefits of the approach are…

Nine articles discuss teaching research skills to junior and senior high school students including useful personal qualities, computer-assisted instruction, researching issues of current public debate, an oral history project on the 1960s, changing roles of librarians, cooperative learning, video and audiotapes as sources, CD-ROM-based indexes,…

Discussion of the results of an international survey of computer use in education focuses on three areas: (1) the degree to which female role models are offered to girls; (2) ways school policies take gender equity issues into account; and (3) the extent to which gender equity issues are dealt with in the curriculum. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Describes part of a research project in France involving the second-language acquisition of young children that focuses on the use of a computer augmented with a voice synthesizer. Topics addressed include written versus spoken language; multiple sources of information; self-correction; self-esteem; memory; and speed in the learning process.…

The University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, and North Dakota State College of Science offer complete undergraduate and graduate degree programs on an interactive video network, sometimes broadcasting at off-campus sites, making higher education more accessible and causing faculty to shift their perspectives on teaching. (MSE)

A group of young scholars, frustrated by the difficult academic job market and dissatisfied with classroom instruction, is trying to establish a nontraditional university entirely through Internet, a major computer network. Prospective anonymous backers have pledged substantial start-up funds. The project will begin with simple computerized…

Describes a summer mathematics institute designed for the professional development of practicing elementary teachers who need to implement NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) standards in mathematics education. Highlights include task analysis, manipulated mathematics, computer transition activities, curriculum-based assessment, and…

Provides background on distance education via television and computer, and lists resources to develop information services for teachers and students. The resource list includes background and history, journals and periodicals, cable and satellite resources, centers and support services, and related resources on distance education, e-mail…

Discussion of scientific journals and the use of electronic tools focuses on a study in New Zealand that investigated the feasibility of CD-ROM instead of printed journals for scientific publishing. Highlights include software choice; prototype publication; sampling method; document delivery; credibility and durability; and future possibilities.…

Discussion of performance assessment focuses on a study that was part of the International Evaluation of Achievement of computer education that tested students in grades 8 and 11 on word processing performance tasks. Results are examined to determine the useability, reliability, and validity of the process. (eight references) (LRW)

The article describes one school's attempts to develop a multimedia module designed to help preservice teachers in education courses become more sensitive to their students' ethnic and cultural differences, focusing on differences in the attitudes of members of various ethnic groups toward elementary students' misbehavior. (SM)