Examines the impact of information technology, the economics of information, and changing patterns of scholarly communication on the role of the academic library. Libraries are called upon to cooperate in building a national information network for scholarly communications based on existing bibliographic utilities and the developing academic…

Describes study designed to help university faculty and administrators meet the training and academic needs of students working toward careers in telecommunication management, particularly radio and television. Interviews with managers are described, and skills and attitudes are identified that are important to include in a…

Describes features of the Western Library Network's database, including the database structure, authority control, contents, quality control, and distribution methods. The discussion covers changes in distribution necessitated by increasing telecommunications costs and the development of optical data disk products. (CLB)

Distance learning programs, services and clients since 1975 at California State University, Chico, are described. Background, funding, and the teleconferencing network are discussed. (CW)

Investments in instructional information technologies must be a part of and reflect the direction and values of the institution's academic program. The course-by-course method of justification provides a sound planning tool, complete with requisite budgetary and staffing projections. (MLW)

Setting up your own telecommunications projects gives a sense of ownership and may be the best way to link students' electronic explorations with specific curriculum objectives. Indu Varma reports on three projects she has initiated for grade-six students. (LZ/Author)

The phenomenal growth of distance-learning programs and the possibility of a virtual university have increased concerns about how to ensure that higher education programs delivered via telecommunications are of good quality. The Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications has formulated guidelines, presented here, for…

Presents guidelines for a National Learning Infrastructure Initiative based on higher education's experience in national networking and telecommunications, including a systemic approach to instructional technology; precompetitive, object-oriented technologies and standards; prototypes that exhibit educational advantages; and leadership for change.…

A panel of four conference presenters address issues related to paying for services provided through online systems. Discussion includes the following topics: metering devices; electronic/digital cash; working within existing banking/credit card structures; provision of payment mechanisms in countries without extensive credit card usage; and…

The National Information Infrastructure (NII) is a web of complementary and competitive information services developed by the telecommunications industry for use in distance education and educational programs. In support of NII, the United States Education Instruction through Telecommunications (USE IT) project presented 12 recommendations for…

School leaders cannot afford to be bystanders in the campaign to rewrite telecommunications laws and regulations for building the National Information Superhighway. Proposes a coalition representing all public schools to demand recognition in the development of telecommunications policy. (MLF)

Although the Cold War has ended, the need for students to improve their intercultural awareness and understanding of international problems (hunger, environmental degradation, and increasing population) has grown stronger. I*Earn, a global network, allows K-12 students to work on joint social and environmental projects that can greatly improve…

Describes Open Learning Australia (OLA), a national program that was developed to widen and facilitate access to undergraduate education by providing open admission. Highlights include other Australian distance education programs; services provided by OLA and those provided by participating universities; electronic support services; fees; and…

Analyzes demographic and socioeconomic trends of rural areas and discusses the role of public libraries in providing access to the information highway via telecommunications. Topics include the importance of access to information for successful economic development, agricultural dependency, poverty, retirement destination areas, and proximity to…

Discusses the higher education system in Nevada. Identifies characteristics of an ideal distance education delivery system, including cost effectiveness, accessibility to telecommunications lines and instructional materials, interactivity, flexibility, and user-friendliness. Also describes SMART, a personal computer-based audiographics system that…