Presents a study of Archimedes as a HyperCard reference tool at the University of Michigan, and compares uses to similar projects. Results from studied points (i.e., system design and use statistics) support Archimedes: the system sees more use during reference hours when a librarian is unavailable, and user time is comparable to time spent with a…

Reports a study that investigated how a preservice teacher education program affected the development of student teachers' understanding of the role of information technology (IT) in the history classroom, noting the role of mentors. Interviews indicated the use of IT in history was important for both mentors and students. (SM)

Discusses some of the changes currently facing higher education and how those changes might affect the areas of health, physical education, and leisure studies (HPELS). The article suggests that, as technology improves, HPELS must be quick in responding to emerging societal needs with thoughtful programs of high quality. (SM)

Middlebury College (Vermont) has initiated a program to develop computer and information networking competence among language faculty in many institutions so that they can better understand the relationship between technology and language pedagogy, become comfortable with multimedia materials in the language classroom, and collaborate on…

Provides guidelines for purchasing and installing CD-ROM technology in school libraries. Considerations include hardware and software selection and familiarity with new products. Two lists are provided that contain contact information for six companies and recommendations for six standard CD-ROM reference sources to include on a network. (JKP)

At McGill University (Canada), rather than implement a costly, high-tech contingency and disaster recovery plan for information services, planners focused on risk assessment and avoidance for central and departmental information systems. Actions included better backups, less dependence on key individuals, and an institutional awareness campaign.…

Three articles analyze the following aspects of the world information economy: (1) the role of the Soviet Union's information system--VINITI--in the implementation of the State STI (Scientific and Technical Information) system; (2) Britain's information policies; and (3) Europe's expanding market for information technology. (MAB)

The introduction of informatics into the national school curriculum in Japan requires changes to educational policy, curricula, methods, facilities, etc. Although the basic functions of the school--i.e., to transmit the culture and to cultivate competencies that will allow a future society to develop--remain unchanged, new technologies change the…

Discusses the gender-computer relationship, citing classroom observations and interviews in a Danish primary school's eighth grade (14- to 15-year-old students). Considers why common sex-stereotyping perceptions do not associate females with computer competency and do not associate males with problems in learning to deal competently with…

Discusses U.S. technology policy and the transfer of scientific and technical information (STI). Results of a study of knowledge diffusion in the aerospace industry are reported, including data on aerospace information intermediaries, use of computer and information technologies, and the use of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)…

Proposes a taxonomy to aid decision makers in selecting computer software consistent with their educational values regarding the nature of instruction and the use of information technology, based on beliefs about human development and learning. Characteristics of instruction, properties of software, and the congruence between them are discussed.…

An architect discusses student input as an important part of library facilities design. Topics discussed include the uses of school and public libraries, including work and social functions; incorporating technology; effective use of space; location choices; lighting considerations; decorative treatments, including color and furnishings; and…

Development and implementation of a shared distributed computing architecture at the University of Alberta (Canada) are described. Aspects discussed include design of the architecture, users' views of the electronic environment, technical and managerial challenges, and the campuswide human infrastructures needed to manage such an integrated…

This special section includes eight articles that address issues concerning library buildings. Highlights include information technologies; industry standards; design; management issues, including organizational climate; long-range, or strategic, planning, including models and political issues; friends of library groups; technology in reference…

Six articles describe various Internet applications, including a campuswide information system that uses Gopher; using an X Windows interface for Internet access; electronic text projects; the Nevada Academic Libraries information system; Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions and electronic reference services; the Internet and OCLC. (Contains 61…