Social and economic issues affecting the vitality of public libraries in California are discussed. A 1993 study by the California State Library identified diminishing reference skills and reference collections, reduced funding which impacted staffing, increased demand, technology change, and language/culture issues as contributing factors to…

Identifies and discusses four problems librarians face in dealing with the Internet: (1) how to locate information; (2) how to ensure that information is from a quality source; (3) what price should be paid for Internet access; and (4) what recourse is there for incorrect information. Sidebars include Internet site addresses and a discussion of…

School systems that plan to give their students open access to the Internet need to set up policies which explain and affirm the principles of freedom of speech, freedom to read, and free access to information. A set of Internet rights and responsibilities should be outlined, and the issues of privacy and ethics should be considered. (Author/AEF)

Describes a graduate research methods course in which students were taught electronic communications skills. Lists three course requirements involving electronic mail, subscriptions to electronic journals, and participation in electronic academic lists. Discusses six problems that emerged and the student evaluations. (CFR)

Discusses the need for community colleges to assess their participation in automated library networking systems (ALNs). Presents results of questionnaires sent to 253 community college learning resource center directors to determine their use of ALNs. Reviews benefits of automation and ALN activities, planning and communications, institution size,…

Gives an historical explanation of Hawaii's Telecommunications and Information Act of 1988. Examines Hawaii's economic development and the formation of an information industry infrastructure using the University of Hawaii's library resources and networks of libraries throughout the state to provide statewide access to information. A time line…

Examines issues of CD-ROM networking for companies; identifies cost savings and focuses on administrative and technical problems. Highlights include slower access speed, technical design deficiencies, inconsistency in search engines and user interfaces, installation problems, drive letter selections, designs that work for LAN access, questions to…

Outlines a framework for shaping reform policies on strategies for enhancing teacher capacity, using interview data from a study conducted in California, Michigan, and Vermont. Michigan has developed subject-matter objectives and assessments, Vermont uses a portfolio assessment system to help teachers learn about problem solving and develop new…

Advances in computing hardware and software, voice and electronic communications, electronic mail, and the information highway will affect the work environment for institutional researchers. In addition, as teaching, learning, and administrative processes are reengineered, the traditional analytical skills of these professionals will be useful in…

Presents four examples of partnerships between corporations, public institutions, and schools that provide adults with access to technology and ongoing education. Highlights include distance learning, videoconferencing, interactive video and audio, satellite networks, and electronic services in public libraries. (AEF)

Discusses the results of a study of a graduate course that was delivered to adult students at three locations by interactive video conference. The course was supplemented with the computer-mediated communication of two Internet discussion groups that provided a framework for collaborative learning in which personal experiences enriched knowledge…

Description of scientific research and scientific and technical information in Ghana highlights the role of the Ghana National Scientific and Technical Information Network (GHASTINET). Obstacles to the provision of adequate resources are discussed, including lack of funding and lack of trained library staff; and recommendations for improvements…

Describes the design and development of an image database for photographs in the Ulster Museum (Northern Ireland) that used parallelism from a transputer network. Topics addressed include image processing techniques; documentation needed for the photographs, including indexing, classifying, and cataloging; problems; hardware and software aspects;…

Presents an overview of the types of information and information sources available in the field of atmospheric sciences. Included are major library collections; organizations; government programs, including air pollution control regulations; electronic databases; and networking resources. Addresses are provided for all sources, and definitions of…

Describes the planning process and discusses important issues impacting the design of a new library building at DePaul University, Illinois. Planning for the changing demands of students, curricula, and information technology is discussed and samples from the planning document are included. (EA)