Discusses use of the grounded theory approach to derive models of the information-seeking patterns of academic researchers. The background to the development of qualitative approaches to information studies in the United Kingdom is described, and the results of four studies of the information-seeking patterns of researchers are outlined. (Contains…

Discussion of virtual reality (VR) focuses on the promise that VR offers for information systems by describing current systems which use VR and by projecting possible developments for the future. Types of information problems which could be helped by VR are considered, as well as those that could not be helped. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the role of history within the discipline of library and information studies. Topics addressed include steps in the historical method, i.e., research, source criticism, and synthesis; the interdisciplinary nature of the history of books; analytical bibliography; and the design and aesthetics of information, including print and electronic…

Examines the relationship between information and democracy through a framework of six stereotyped assumptions regarding ontology and epistemology, i.e., dogma, naturalism, cultural relativity, constructivism, postmodernism, and communitarianism. Implications for the design and implementation of information systems are discussed. (Contains 93…

Discusses the development of the information science program in the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in relation to the history of the department. Topics discussed include changes in the university library system from a central library to a network of libraries; library automation; government's role; and teaching and research tasks. (nine…

Describes a study that examined the number of citations as an index of the quality of library and information science school faculties. Earlier studies are reviewed, publication productivity versus citation count is discussed, and results are presented that indicate measuring productivity by citation does not correlate with perceived quality. (12…

Discusses the meaning of information in terms of Shannon's mathematical theory of communication and the concept of uncertainty. The uncertainty associated with the transmission of the signal is argued to have more significance for information science than the uncertainty associated with the selection of a message from a set of possible messages.…

Examines the 80/20 rule that relates to productive sources in a bibliography. Highlights include applications in library acquisition policies, library circulation and weeding policies, science policy studies, information science, and econometrics; formulae of Burrell and of Egghe; probabilistic proofs; geometric distributions; Lotka distribution;…

Discusses communication in research and development, hypotheses of efficiency, and implications for information science. Topics addressed include cognitive situations of individuals and groups; the use of information; the adequacy of available information; the inefficiency of scientific communication; and the unpredictable impact of the same…

Reports on a survey of 74 library and information science students from 34 countries and delegates to a conference on education of overseas students in the United Kingdom. Students' reasons for coming to the United Kingdom and their educational needs and expectations are covered. A copy of the questionnaire is included. (five references) (KRN)

Describes a study that examined the nature of the literature produced by a random sample of faculty in American Library Association accredited schools of library and information science from 1980-84. Highlights include types of publications, content, which journals rank highest for faculty publishing, and scholarly versus nonscholarly…

Describes a course on database construction that is given in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the General Polytechnic of Amsterdam. Objectives of the course are discussed, education for library and information science in the Netherlands is outlined, and a postgraduate course for practitioners is described. (LRW)

Examines various characteristics of authors of library and information science journal articles published in 1986. Comparisons are made between the author characteristics of articles that resulted from funded research and articles that were not supported by funding, and patterns of collaboration and possession of a doctoral degree are also…

Summarizes and extends the review of fundamental conceptualizations of access to information in six research literatures developed in Part I. Highlights include implications of conceptualizations of access to information; implications of influences and constraints on access, including physical, cognitive, affective, economic, social, and…

Provides a brief review of events in the history of the American Society for Information Science (ASIS) that have contributed to its evolution as a significant source of continuing professional education. Discusses the role of conferences, publications and workshops in terms of their contribution to the formation of a professional identity.…