Concepts from Strategic Alignment, a technology-management theory, are used to discuss the Information Commons as a new service-delivery model in academic libraries. The Information Commons, as a conceptual, physical, and instructional space, involves an organizational realignment from print to the digital environment. (Author)

A discussion of the role of new technology in university outreach efforts begins by looking at the history of the university's direct scientific and technological contributions to society, from the 1300s through the evolution of the land-grant university. The potential for another significant change in the university's institutional role in…

Investigates growth and complexity of research publications from 1972 to 1996. Evaluates status of the various geographic regions in promoting distance-education activities by means of their publication data. Findings revealed the following: the highest level of publication was in the last 10 years; environmental factors influenced growth of…

Describes findings of a report issued by the United States Department of Commerce that revealed the "digital divide" between households of different races and income levels is growing. Highlights two partnership projects offering computer training and equipment donations. (AEF)

Describes how the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (Pennsylvania), a regional consortium of six private colleges and universities, in experimenting with video conferencing and other online forms of technology-based collaboration, developed into the 101-member Community of Agile Partners in Education. This organization, by being…

Discussion of the development of distance education in Switzerland focuses on a history of the Swiss Virtual Campus and an explanation of the role of the Educational Technologies Unit of the University of Geneva (TECFA). Topics include the integration of information technologies, teacher training, and the management of metadata. Contains 35…

Reviews the resources available through the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) Web site, a consortium of the libraries of the 39 state-assisted colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. States that VIVA provides, in an equitable, cooperative, and cost-effective manner, enhanced access to library and information for these higher…

Rapid advances in information technology have rendered conventional approaches to planning and budgeting useless, and no single method is universally appropriate. The most successful planning efforts are consistent with the institution's overall plan, and may combine conventional, opportunistic, and entrepreneurial approaches. Chief financial…

Discussion of Internet2 and the college or university's decision to participate in the network looks at the characteristics of the system and the advantages of access to it; infrastructure needed to participate; costs to the institution; considerations in making the decision to participate; and the consequences of waiting. (MSE)

The Next Generation Internet (NGI) proposal by the Clinton Administration would advance the current state of the Internet, advance university research capabilities, and assist federal agencies in achieving their missions. Several concerns to be addressed before deciding on final action include the appropriate roles of the federal and private…

Explores one student's personal experience of the evolution of distance learning in the United Kingdom between 1977 and 1997. Discusses changes in learning materials; differences in assessment strategies and learner support; increasing consumerism; changes in the nature of distance learners; and the increasing role of information and communication…

Addresses the difficulties of integrating information technology in higher education that the authors maintain are rooted in psychological, sociological, and cultural factors that influence the structure of higher education, as well as the conception of teaching by the faculty. Discusses interaction between faculty and students and long-range…

Does information technology "pull" the organizational management toward change in terms of authority and control, or is information technology "pushed" through the organization, by management, to maintain its existing system of authority and control? These conflicting positions are explored through a case study of the Federal…

Describes changes in many library schools' curricula to emphasize training for high-tech careers in information management rather than traditional library skills and careers. Reports on the experience of the University of Michigan, which has restructured its library school into the new School of Information Management and Systems. (DB)

Discusses the growing gap between people and communities who have access to information technology and those who do not, known as the digital divide. Considers issues concerning access, in schools and in homes; content; literacy; pedagogy, including constructivist practices and teachers' professional development; and community. (LRW)