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…

The principles underlying development of software for computer-based instruction and collaborative learning are examined, and it is concluded that although traditional software and hardware originate from traditions of individual learning, software designed to aid in collaborative learning originates from conceptualizations of group learning. (MSE)

In response to a need to develop services for poorly-served or unserved potential clients and to provide staff development, Pepperdine University (California) created a program of specialized service provision, using individual staff contacts to provide regular communication and planning assistance to clients. Program design, staff training, and…

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 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)

The information division at Cornell University (New York) information resources division has determined that its traditional program development method is inadequate to meet the demographic, fiscal, and technological demands of the 1990s. It is changing its systems analysis and design procedures to deliver applications better, faster, and with…

Discusses the need to incorporate information skills across the curriculum. Problems facing school libraries are examined; strategies to promote information skills across the curriculum are suggested; the use of information technology is considered; examples of current practice in the United Kingdom are described; and implications for librarians…

Response to issues discussed in Ann Irving's article in this yearbook focuses on the changing role of school librarians. Highlights include the impact of information technology on library services; the development of school libraries in the United Kingdom versus the United States; instruction in information skills; and equal access to information.…

This policy framework provides guidelines for federal agencies on public access to government electronic information. Highlights include reasons for disseminating information; defining user groups; which technology to use; pricing flexibility; security and privacy issues; and the private sector and state and local government roles. (LRW)

This field study represents a departure from structured, or directed, computer-mediated communication as used in its natural environment, the computer lab. Using observations, interviews, and the computer medium itself, the investigators report how high school students interact with computers and create their own agendas for computer usage and…

Technological advances have changed our definitions of literacy and our ways of preparing academically literate individuals. Over four years, formal evaluation of a Cornell University (New York) library-based information literacy instruction program and experiments using different instructional models has increased understanding of the concept and…

Discusses the design of computer-based learning materials and computer-based learning environments. Topics addressed include learning strategies; the roles of the learner and the computer; appropriate information technology; the situated learning concept; learning environment metaphors; the use of microcomputers and hypermedia; and personal…

Explores the roles of information brokers and information consultants. Topics discussed include reasons for the emergence of information brokers, including technological, sociological, economic, and political factors; legal and ethical considerations; implications for libraries; access to information; future prospects; and the information industry…

Three possible ways in which California can resolve the current problem of declining public support for higher education are examined. The scenarios focus on (1) the information revolution; (2) the relationship between education and the economy, corporations, and market dynamics; and (3) changed assumptions about what constitutes a good education.…

To minimize breaches of computer security, colleges and universities should (1) establish and disseminate policies and procedures regarding computer security; (2) inform users about what constitutes a criminal act; (3) take measures to protect all information in the organization, beginning with a campus security review; and (4) schedule regular…