Reports on a survey of 70 research libraries in Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Results show that libraries are rapidly acquiring automated processing systems, CD-ROM databases, and connections to computer networks. Discusses specific data on system implementation and network services by country and by type of…

Describes how the media center at Mt. Bethel Elementary School (Marietta, Georgia) was redesigned to make better use of electronic resources. Discusses the initial preparations and the remodelling process. Outlines the four components of managing change--vision, planning, funding and implementation. (AEF)

Discusses design requirements, and advantages and disadvantages of the following learner-centered instructional development tools: information containers; authoring systems; templates, models, or widgets; learning-oriented instructional development tools; and adaptive learning-oriented systems. (AEF)

Describes the development of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), stressing the similarities between the system's goals and Thomas Jefferson's views on public education in a democratic society. Reviews five major VCCS initiatives of the 1990s: improving transfer, reducing program length, implementing information technology, ensuring…

Discusses how simulation technology for the analysis of information systems (IS) supports human decision making. Examines online help and knowledge-based support, graphics, and visual interactive simulation (VIS) and animation. Concludes that there are opportunities to improve the decision support role of simulation technology in IS with enhanced…

Describes a new program at Gavilan College, California, that introduces Allied Health students and faculty to information technologies. States that the program's goal is to reconfigure Allied Health curriculum to reflect the impact of information technology on the health professions by inserting information competency components into courses.…

This special issue presents articles contributed by academics from the Asia-Pacific region on perspectives and progress made in online learning and information technology (IT). The articles discuss online learning and IT efforts in South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Guam, and New Zealand. (AEF)

In World Trade Organization negotiations, it has been proposed that education be treated as a service to be exchanged for profit. This is contrary to the United Nations covenant that education is a universal human right. Educators need to affirm that knowledge is not a commodity, but something whose benefit increases proportionately with the…

Describes the integration of personal digital assistants into a medical center library's services in Illinois. Discusses training for users; hardware selection; software selection and content; technical support; the role of libraries, including the creation of policies and procedures; and future challenges. (LRW)

Discusses challenges to the library media specialist, particularly the collection developer, in developing a global perspective, analyzing the impact of new technologies on the collection, and promoting understanding of the connectedness of information within the collection. Strategies for promoting global education are suggested. (31 references)…

Profiles X.400, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Application layer standard that supports interpersonal electronic mail services, facsimile transfer, electronic data interchange, electronic funds transfer, electronic publishing, and electronic invoicing. Also discussed are an electronic directory to support message handling, compatibility…

This article proposes a model for a supported, managed effort to create an environment in which faculty can successfully integrate technology into the teaching process. The model is based on needs identified by the information services organization at West Chester University. An alternative financial model is offered. (Author/MLW)

Among six conclusions of a study on computerized literature retrieval by medical students at the University of Missouri were that many students easily became independent users of MEDLINE, that previous computer use was not related to effective MEDLINE use, and that effectively trained students used the MeSH vocabulary as easily as faculty. (DB)

National Mathematics Survey briefly explains multilevel models, examining their power and flexibility as analytical tools. Provides examples of two applied models studying school and pupil variables: (1) data analysis from a National Mathematics Survey (England, Wales, Northern Ireland); and (2) data analysis of pupil attitudes using Hierarchical…

Discusses the information technology requirements for 5- to 11-year-olds under the United Kingdom's 1988 Education Reform Act. Attainment targets set by the curriculum are described for English, mathematics, science, and design and technology, and knowledge and skills required of primary school teachers under the Act are explained. (seven…