Results of a five-year study of drug use patterns of undergraduates at the University of Maryland show a continuous rise in the use of alcohol and suggest that a modest decline in other popular drugs of abuse may reflect a trade-off between alcohol and these other drugs. (MB)

To determine student use patterns, 185 undergraduates in first and second year psychology courses were provided hypertext lecture support documents (lecture notes, bulletin board, and e-mail) via the Internet. Although the materials were popular, analysis determined that study followed traditional patterns of paper-based learning and that no…

Discussion of multimedia evaluation and evaluation of public space learning environments focuses on the results of using a keystroke log file to identify the use patterns of the interactive multimedia system at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Studying engagement with the technical system separately from the content is recommended. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study that explored the use of log files to investigate the process of hypermedia navigation at the University of Connecticut's information kiosk. Highlights include the use of cluster analysis; four different types of navigational performance; and external validation criteria, including self-efficacy, perceived utility, and interest.…

Analyzes survey results of university students who used the instant messaging (IM) reference service at Southern Illinois University Carbondale's library. Focuses on the results of two surveys, including a comparison of IM reference and traditional reference desk experiences; provides an overview of the IM reference system and usage data; and…

Some academic libraries have adopted the idea of the information commons, a central location providing computers, information resources in various formats, and staff assistance. An overview of several information commons in the United States and Canada is presented, and missions, features, strengths and weaknesses are explored. A table identifies…

The Analysis of Technology Assistance for Children project surveyed assistive technology use in special education classrooms in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The survey focused on the status of assistive technology in educational and related settings, benefits and barriers of assistive technology, and effects of assistive technology use.…

Describes the redesign of the Web site at the virtual library of the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). Discusses usability problems with the original site, including navigation difficulties; focus groups to determine user needs; usability testing for the new Web site; and the importance of customer input. (LRW)

Examines patterns of television viewing and viewing motivations for the "PTL Club" in light of the recent PTL scandal. Extracts the ritualized user and a modified version (curious consumer) of the instrumental user only. Discusses implications for the future of religious television. (SR)

Reports results of a study which analyzed course syllabi at a liberal arts college and a university with graduate and professional programs to determine the type and quantity of library use required. Data are presented on percentage of courses requiring library use by department, overall use patterns, and use patterns by course level. (12…

Interviews with public library nonfiction book users gathered data on: (1) subject content of the book; (2) book selection; (3) how much of the book was read; (4) use of the information; (5) success in finding information; (6) features of the book used for finding information; and (7) demographics on library use. (12 references) (MES)

This study of the way librarians use the library literature examined interlibrary loan requests at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Data were analyzed on: subjects, journals, and years requested; library types; patron types; and citation sources. The practical and technical aspects of librarianship were found to be the most…

Surveyed 45 Japanese corporations to determine common training methods and use of systematic design and development processes. Results indicate that overall there was more internal classroom training than on-the-job training and that only two of the companies had a formal, systematic approach to instruction design and development. (JMV)

Describes design methods used to influence user perception of time in virtual learning environments. Examines the use of temporal cues in medical education and clinical competence testing. Finds that user perceptions of time affects user acceptance, ease of use, and the level of realism of a virtual learning environment. Contains 51 references.…

Presents viewpoints on several information retrieval user studies, and contains opinions regarding user characteristics; user training; expression of need or query formulation; conduct of a search; use of language; analysis of retrieved information; and satisfaction with outcome. Recommendations for future studies include classification of users;…