Using her own Web site as an example, the author discusses issues and tasks associated with creating and maintaining a professional Web site, within the context of a strategic planning approach. The stages of the process are outlined, including identification of user needs; selection and evaluation of information; organization of information;…

Presents an abstract for a planned technical session to discuss the report of the Committee on the Information Technology Strategy of the Library of Congress, developed by the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board of the National Academies. Highlights include digital information, Web links, preservation, and the management of libraries.…

Shifting between different linkages of the partners for satisfying a need is the major characteristic of the virtual organization, and meta-management beyond the individual organizational level must be applied in order to optimize the benefit for the entire organizational network. Presents a meta-management support framework based on the…

Defines and discusses innovation in organizations and considers roles that information professionals can play in encouraging and supporting innovation in their organizations. Highlights include understanding future possibilities; contributing to strategy development; distilling information to create added value; developing partnerships; organizing…

Suggests that human resources development professionals need to change their performance improvement focus and philosophy to embrace the importance of building on strengths and managing weaknesses. Identifies five characteristics indicative of employees' strengths. Describes seven strategies to help employees minimize their weaknesses while…

Five knowledge management (KM) experts discuss answers to six fundamental issues of KM that address: a definition of knowledge and KM; relationship between business and KM; whether technology has helped the knowledge worker; relationship between learning, performance, knowledge, and community; the promise of knowledge ecology or ecosystem and…

Moves away from a discussion of crisis management to reflect on vulnerabilities and strengths of communication departments in the larger university. Considers the general strengths and weaknesses of communication departments in the context of thinking about the reasons for the University of Nebraska Lincoln's vulnerability to budget cutting and…

Uses the University of North Carolina (Charlotte) to illustrate one method for linking the campus strategic planning process with collection and use of assessment information and annual reporting procedures. Stresses the importance of requiring objectives and goals to be explicitly enunciated and the collection of outcome indicators in a…

Presents guidelines for creating a Master Planner for the school year. Highlights several factors to consider, including annual classroom projects; standardized testing dates; report card dates; special assembly programs and local/national/world events; book fairs; and end of the year activities. (AEF)

Discusses how organizations are gaining a competitive edge in a global business environment through learning and highlights a learning organization implementation case study of a division of Ford Motor Company. Examines the strategic initiative; performance improvement results; individual learning, including interpersonal development and…

Presents an evaluation/development method for achieving customer-driven improvement in organizations. Describes the steps to external and internal "mirror analysis," a process for determining if the organization functions as a mirror of customers' needs and expectations. Twelve figures illustrate factors in the process. (AEF)

Discussion of the future of library collection development and the need for planning focuses on the technique of scenario planning and discusses the results of scenario planning at the University of NebraskaLincoln that examined collection development and digital information. (LRW)

Instead of employing "inside-outside" marketing via inhouse brochures, newsletters, and websites, public schools should begin practicing "outside-inside" marketing in which strategic planning and then action comes from the marketplace (the community) to the school. Public perceptions are gathered through surveys, focus groups, and indepth…

American crime and violence have overflowed onto the college/university campus, and are now affecting senior high, junior high and elementary schools. This research presents suggested causes of school crime and also suggests possible solutions. In most urban environments, crime is a "way of life." When assessing the family incomes of…

Marketing is like the rain. Some people are quickly aware of it, while others take repeated and consistent drops for quite an extended period of time before they take action. Building on the marketing principles discussed in previous issues, the next key principle to smart marketing is the "Rain Effect." The Rain Effect is the use of consistent…