Eleven articles discuss informational and educational programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Some of the areas discussed include scientific and technical information management, the new Space and Earth Science Information Systems, transfer of technology to other industries, intellectual property issues, and the…

Surveys the current state of computer applications in six areas of library work: circulation control; descriptive cataloging; catalog maintenance and production; reference services; acquisitions; and serials control. Motives for automation are discussed, and examples of representative vendors, products, and services are given. (15 references) (LRW)

Discusses a continuing education course that reached 1000 viewers at 43 North American sites. Points out that each professor had 35 minutes for his presentation followed by a 10-minute call-in question and answer period. Notes polymer topics will be the focus of upcoming lessons. (MVL)

Presents the results of a Delphi projection of continuing education needs of the library community of Wisconsin. Potential changes are summarized in nine categories: social system; target markets and learning needs; social/philosophical aspirations; new technologies; traditional functions/services; library and system structure; library…

Reports the results of surveys of English-speaking Caribbean regions that demonstrate an inadequate supply of information scientists in relation to demand, despite the pivotal role of information in the development process. It is suggested that enhancing the image of the profession and improving information training programs may alleviate this…

Identifies library values affected by technology, including respect for and privacy of the individual, equality of user needs, and freedom of purpose and access. Fundamental changes that may result from technology are predicted in the areas of the library role, functions of staff, fees for services and document delivery, and costs of local and…

Three articles present responses to Summers' predictions of fundamental changes in libraries caused by the use of technology. The discussions cover the role of children's librarians in shaping future users and perceptions of libraries, the positive effects of technology on services to children and young adults, and the need to base library…

Discussion of the instructional applications of computing focuses on integrating computers into the higher education curriculum. Topics discussed include the history of computers in education; computer literacy; and ways to improve instructional uses of computers, including appropriate recognition for faculty involvement and improving access,…

Beginning with a request for an enhanced system for decision/strategic planning support, the University of Chicago's biological sciences division has developed a range of administrative client/server tools, instituted a capital replacement plan for desktop technology, and created a planning and staffing approach enabling rapid introduction of new…

Discusses how reengineering can be applied to user services in libraries; identifies trends affecting library user services operations; and describes the reengineering effort at Rice University (Texas) where services have been transformed through collaboration between the library and computing services. (AEF)

Discusses the future of librarians from public and academic library perspectives and describes the potential impact of home computer services on information seeking in public libraries. Notes the importance of the effects of copyright and privatization issues on future Internet use. Examines the future of electronic books and the need for and role…

Five experts discuss the purpose of schooling, dated models of education, changing education, information technology, equitable access to technology, new educational models, the role of the teacher, government's role, financing public or private schools through voucher systems, and collaboration between schools and industry. (LRW)

Responds to an article suggesting that teacher empowerment and not systemic restructuring is necessary for effective integration of information technologies in public schools. This paper suggests that, while teachers are central to educational changes, even more essential is a fundamental shift to a new system of learning and away from treating…

Discusses European Community policy relating to information technology and the information industry. Topics addressed include the information services industry; transborder information flow, including electronic mail, data owner responsibility, and software piracy; digital data networks; electronic data interchange; telecommunications; information…

Identifies and discusses four problems librarians face in dealing with the Internet: (1) how to locate information; (2) how to ensure that information is from a quality source; (3) what price should be paid for Internet access; and (4) what recourse is there for incorrect information. Sidebars include Internet site addresses and a discussion of…