This paper is primarily an annotated listing of criteria for selection of a microcomputer to be used for online information retrieval. The paper was used by the University Library of the Technische Universitat Wien (Vienna, Austria) while preparing to contact computer dealers and to inform them about the library's needs in this specialized area of…

In this document separate articles deal with the following topics: recommendations for future British broadcasting policies that recently were proposed to the British Parliament by the Committee on the Future of Broadcasting; specific media goals set by the Swedish Committee on Broadcasting; communications policy making in Austria; a new…

This paper explores several human factors and other issues associated with taking jobs to disabled persons using computer-telecommunications technology and systems. General concepts of the transportation communications tradeoff are discussed. Legal and institutional dimensions of handicapped employments are addressed. A variety of research and…

The 45 papers that comprise this book view the current telecommunications revolution and its developments and effects from a wide range of perspectives. Specific topics discussed in the papers include the following: (1) the future of literature; (2) Brazil and the information societies of the next century; (3) the future of language; (4)…

The first of four volumes, this executive summary briefly discusses the educational situation in Alaska in terms of geography, climate, and ethnic groups; reviews the state's involvement in the National Institute of Education's Education Satellite Communication Demonstration; describes project management and introduction of the innovations; and…

Criteria for establishing a project management plan for local community development of forestry programs in Africa are provided in the lead article, which elaborates upon approaches for encouraging participation in fuelwood production, determining community needs and responsibilities, assigning technical support personnel, and revitalizing rural…

A controlled user test of an experimental viewdata system, Channel 2000, was conducted by OCLC in Columbus, Ohio, to investigate technical, business, market, library, and social issues involved in electronic delivery of information using videotex technology. The three part report includes a review of various facets of new consumer electronic…

The project described was designed to develop prototype electronically controlled learning environments in home settings, in order to provide instruction for persons with assumed severe developmental retardation and attendant multiple handicaps. The first of nine sections in this report contains the justification for the project, abstracted…

This report of a project to develop and test a prototype system for the delivery of continuing education (CE) to two defined target groups of registered dietitians includes user needs, alternative approaches, the operational plan, the management plan, and personnel. Major tasks involved in the project are described: (1) development,…

This paper describes some of the advances in telecommunications technology that can be anticipated during the 1980's in the areas of computer and component technologies, computer influences on telecommunications systems and services, communications terminals, transmission and switching systems, and local distribution. Specific topics covered…

The results of a one year study to identify potential technology-based improvements in the operation, access, and utilization of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) are described. Both current problem areas and future possibilities are considered with respect to the dichotomy: system components and the total system. Emphasis is on…

The Health, Education, Telecommunications (HET) experiment, and the Federation of Rocky Mountain States have collaborated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to provide health education and other community service broadcasts to rural areas of the Rocky Mountains. In order to access the signal of the ATS-6 (Applications…

Intimately involved in any equipment system is the human factor. The people operating the equipment at the remote installations for the Satellite Technology Demonstration (STD) were different from paid employees or from private consumers. The STD site operators were paid only token fees; thus, they are best describd as having been motivated by the…

This paper describes the network coordination for the Health, Education, Telecommunications (HET) system. Specifically, it discusses HET network performance as a function of a specially-developed coordination system which was designed to link terrestrial equipment to satellite operations centers. Because all procedures and equipment developed for…

The Satellite Technology Demonstration (STD) produced a series of 81 television programs called the "J-series" for junior high school students. This material was used to illustrate real life situations for a career development program. Because materials were expensive, the decision was made to produce "in-house" programs and…