These two articles explore the arguments for and against the liberalization of natural monopolies in general and the privatization of the telecommunications industry in particular. The discussion covers the reasons for and consequences of deregulation of telecommunications in the United States, United Kingdom, and other Western European countries.…

Dispels misconceptions about print journal publishing so electronic publishing will not be based on old myths. Explains the truth behind 10 myths that have arisen in the publishing community over the past 20 years. Finds that scientists are using more library-provided journals, and that libraries are reducing journal collections by relying on…

Suggests picture books are made more difficult for kids to predict, to make sense of, and to learn from by fitting them into the didactic framework of basals. Discusses the picture book genre. Compares the original version of "Ira Sleeps Over" to the basal version. Examines in detail how picture books are made to fit into a basal…

Presents the transcript of an interview with William Gates, chairman of Microsoft Corporation. Topics discussed include continued support from the information technology industry for higher education; experiences with recent college graduates in the industry; new technologies developing in the near future; alliances in the computer industry; and…

Common assumptions about college and university fund raising in foreign countries are examined, focusing on four constituencies: alumni, parents, corporations, and high-stakes donors. Personal experiences of several fund-raising professionals suggest that each assumption is true in some, but not all, cases. (MSE)

Discusses a new history and geography-centered curriculum for elementary and secondary school students that was developed in California and describes efforts to adopt instructional materials that include new technology and formats. Three specific technology developments in the history-social science curriculum are described. (LRW)

An organizational model for higher education institutions that follows the corporate model is proposed. It strives to eliminate overlapping responsibilities among vice presidents, minimize organizational conflict, and empower the deans and academic program directors to make decisions. The system is intended to refocus the institution on its…

Discusses acquisitions budgets, price increases, and their effect on academic library collections, based on the broader economic situation. Topics addressed include changes in the publishing industry; the increasing numbers of publications; the role of technology; ineffective responses of libraries; and the need for libraries to change their…

Discusses areas to consider when interviewing an information broker. Topics include the educational background of the broker; access to online and nononline sources; fees and business practices; specialization; subcontracting; and questions a good broker should ask. (AEF)

Describes Books on Tape, an unabridged audiobook publisher, and its appeal to the library market. Discussion covers reading styles used on the tapes, the lack of celebrity readers, the story of the company's founding and development, its use of computerized customer tracking and networking, the availability of replacement tapes, and cassette cover…

Presents issues relating to equality of access to information technology and the Internet for the African American community. Provides suggestions for measures that black information professionals can take to ensure universal access to information and affirmative entrepreneurial opportunities. (JKP)

COMETT (Community program for Education and Training for Technology) supports practical cooperation between universities and industry in training for technology, through consortia, exchanges, and joint training projects. It stresses the need for strategic thinking in cooperative efforts and the fragility of cooperation and management. Program…

Draws on self-categorization theory (use of social characteristics to define psychological groups and promote positive self-identity) to explore the effects of demographic diversity on an individual's psychological and behavior attachment to an organization. Membership in a majority-dominated social group may both satisfy the minority member's…

Discusses developments in publishing in Sub-Saharan Africa and suggests implications for American libraries. Highlights include economic constraints; state-sponsored publishing; African authors; publishing in Nigeria and South Africa; publishing for children; religious publishing houses; multinational firms; cooperative efforts that offer…

Collaborative relationships between researchers and resources from government, industry, and academia were studied through a survey of research into dental materials. The outcomes of research conducted under various arrangements by 386 targeted respondents were reviewed. Implications of the high rate of collaboration for both industry and academia…