Discusses use of communications software packages as a means of linking a microcomputer with other computers, endowing it with characteristics of a terminal, and still preserving many personal computer features. Required features, additional features, and books and guidebooks are noted. (EJS)

Briefly discusses diffusion theory as an orientation for understanding why an individual becomes a videotex user, and reports the results of an early videotex pilot test, Channel 2000, which indicated that it was perceived less favorably as users gained more experience in its use. (MBR)

Presents revision of Book Industry Systems Advisory Committee (BISAC) format designed specifically for electronic transmission of purchase orders for monograph or series titles combining fixed and variable length data fields which was approved in January 1983. Special characters, sample address descriptions, summary of fixed records, glossary, and…

Describes the activities of the Societe Financiere de Radiodiffusion (SOFIRAD), a government-owned corporation to promote political, cultural, and business interests via a complex network of media holdings. (PD)

A pilot study of a computer-based communications system, Terminals for Managers, suggests that people do not necessarily attribute greater benefits to using computer-based messaging as they gain experience, and that they prefer different media depending upon the task, their organizational status, attributes of the medium, and their own…

The article discusses research and development affecting the hearing impaired and deaf in the areas of line quality, hearing aid technology, diagnostic and rehabilitative procedures for using telephones with hearing aids, and keyboard telecommunication devices for the profoundly deaf. Potential future developments are also explored. (Author)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of digital television signals as opposed to analog signals and considers how "going digital" might affect existing analog instructional television systems. The costs, quality, and flexibility of using digital television signals are examined. (MER)

The new Indianapolis Public School communications system integrates telephone and data communications, security transmission, and energy management within a single network connected by digital microwave radio links. (Author/MLF)

Describes how library networks develop technology cooperatively and assesses future network roles in the light of new developments. (Author/LLS)

Presents the views of two experts on McLuhan's effect on communications theory and research. Levinson maintains that McLuhan performed the Socratic job of identifying the important issues in the communications field, while Gordon argues that McLuhan was a pseudointellectual known more for his guts than his talent. (MER)

Lists and annotates 20 books and eight periodicals about word processing. (RL)

Outlines the British teletext information dissemination system and some of its practical uses. Discusses innovations being developed and considers the system's application in the United States. (JMF)

A national conference of 24 college and university presidents and communications experts on the changing role of higher education in society is reported. The transformations occurring in the field of electronic communications are also discussed. (PHR)

Describes the organization and functioning of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT). Attempts to evaluate the international institutional matrix of the organization. Highlights some policy issues and the implications of growing domestic and regional systems. (JMF)