Describes the State of Iowa Libraries Online project (SILO) which was developed to demonstrate new information technologies available to libraries. Focuses on two interlinked components of the project: Web-based union catalog development and statewide deployment of the ANS/NISO Z39.50 information retrieval standard. Includes recommendations for…

Addresses the topic of digital libraries from a planning perspective and examines policy issues. Discusses developing collections by providing access to remote files and/or creating a local collection; funding; considering what to digitize; copyright issues; storage costs; converting paper-based collections and catalogs; and reasons why to…

Examines the intersection between access to information technology and urban poverty and the role of the local government through a case study of Austin (Texas). The examples of the Austin Free-Net, which provides access sites and user training, and other Austin programs show the large degree of citizen interest and the recognition by policymakers…

Argues that Mexican and other Latin American libraries must make changes to take advantage of increasingly available electronic information sources. Discusses developments in the previously paper-based publishing industry; the industry's relation with the academic and research environment; and Mexican electronic sources for the study of Latin…

Discusses intelligent filtering systems and describes work in the INFOS (Intelligent News Filtering Organizational System) project designed to automatically categorize data as relevant or irrelevant based on user interests. The filtering is performed by combining keyword-based hill climbing, knowledge-based conceptual representation via WordNet,…

Presents an overview of the growth of work in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) over the last 40 years. Notes formative influences and contributing disciplines and discusses technology, applied problems, and the design for usability. Outlines issues that pose problems for HCI in the near future. Seven figures show growth in media. (141 references)…

The bookmobile of Lancaster County Library (Pennsylvania) provides library services to the home schooled children of isolated, rural communities. Home schooling and bookmobile usage have increased proportionally, and bookmobiles act as "library periods" for the home schooled, provide materials to support curricula, and supply…

Reviews literature in user acceptance and resistance to information technology design and implementation. Examines innovation diffusion, technology design and implementation, human-computer interaction, and information systems. Concentrates on the determinants of user acceptance and resistance and emphasizes how researchers and developers can…

An institutionwide strategic planning effort at Central Michigan University, in response to a need for rapid and significant changes in its information technology infrastructure, is outlined. The effort resulted in a matrix governance structure for information technology that acknowledges the value of both distributed support and a strong central…

The process of designing the Yale University (Connecticut) World Wide Web page "front door" is described, including its conceptualization, evolution through technological advances and attitudinal change, achievement of consensus through an interdepartmental advisory team, constituency response, and expectations about future change. (MSE)

Ideas for enhancing college and university public relations' use of electronic media include organizing an electronic mail tip sheet; trying an electronic news service; investing in an electronic media tracking service; installing an Integrated Services Digital Network telephone line; placing the institution's story on a cable television network;…

The Appalachian Regional Commission's 1996 Conference, "Building Blocks for Using Telecommunications and Information Technology," held in Binghamton, New York, focused on the role of telecommunications in Appalachia in education and training, telemedicine, business, and government. Highlights conference presentations on special…

As campuses grow, they have become more confusing, unwieldy, and expensive. Colleges may have to forfeit a physical face and space for every function of the institution. A unique planning challenge is the interface between physical and virtual realms. As institutions go increasingly online, physical space can be freed for collegial encounters and…

Compares the impact of information technology initiatives in Scottish schools with a study of schools in the Silicon Valley (California). Highlights include computer use by subject; frequency of computer use in schools; student attitudes; questionnaire responses; obstacles to use of technology; and implications for policymaking. (LRW)

Advances in information and telecommunications technology has increased academic distance education programs, prompting libraries to enhance access and services to off-campus students. This article summarizes distance education history and library-related technological advances, and also profiles distance education students. Library services…