Focuses on a Web-based version of a national survey for the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) of public library involvement with the Internet. Describes the procedures used to develop the Web-based questionnaire, identifies issues concerning Web-based research, and presents recommendations for the future…

To examine the effects of introducing portable computers into secondary schools, a study was conducted regarding information technology skills and attitudes of staff and eighth grade students prior to and after receiving individual portable computers. Knowledge and use of word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications increased for both…

Describes how a library automation system administrator developed a computer support network for the Finger Lakes Library System's (New York) evening and weekend hours. Discusses support options and decision-making factors--hiring extra staff, utilizing vendors, pagers, cellular phones, or contracting for third-party support. After employing staff…

Presents the second part of an interview with Vinton Cerf on issues of information technology. Discusses reading with laptop computers; the "extinction" of books; technological experiments by publishers; copyrights, intellectual property, and ownership; cable companies; the impact of the Internet on education; and the future of the…

Information technology services on campuses are in crisis, due to dramatically increased expectations and stable or dwindling funding. The situation can be improved and service effectiveness enhanced by controlling expectations, reducing work, getting help (student volunteers, experiential learning programs, local experts, consultants, faculty and…

A survey of high-tech (n=289) and non-high-tech (n=219) school library media centers revealed that most high-tech schools (38%) are in the South and that most (35%) are high schools. Analyzes patterns in funding, types of technology, automated management, expenditures and collections, staffing and salaries, participation in staff development…

Universities must change their business design in order to remain competitive in the education marketplace. Consumers demand professional programs offering certification and competence in graduates, making proficiency the basis for assessment. Design characteristics include student-centered learning, utilizing the Internet and information…

Based on "Library Journal's" 1997 Public Library Budget Report, this article discusses the state of public libraries in terms of Internet-related costs, budgets, local, state and federal funding, and fundraising. Presents--in six tables segmented by population served--the financial situations of 84 randomly surveyed public libraries.…

Academic Computing Services staff and University librarians at Stetson University (DeLand, Florida) designed and implemented a three-day Internet workshop for interested faculty. The workshop included both hands-on lab sessions and discussions covering e-mail, telnet, ftp, Gopher, and World Wide Web. The planning, preparation of the lab and…

Forty-six panels address topics including women in information science; users and usability; information studies; reference services; information policies; standards; interface design; information retrieval; information networks; metadata; shared access; e-commerce in libraries; knowledge organization; information science theories; digitization;…

Discusses social and cultural challenges that Internet technology raises. Highlights include preserving the freedom in cyberspace, the information distribution scheme of the Internet, two-way interactivity, search engines as marketing tools, the insecurity of cyberspace, online safety rules for children, educating children to "walk…

Outlines ways in which the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is working to support introduction of new technologies into medical education and facilitate dialog on information technology and curriculum issues. Describes six AAMC initiatives related to computing in education, including projects concerning educational objectives,…

Describes a 1995 study of college freshmen at a Scottish university that examined use of computers, knowledge about information technology, and reasons for not studying computing. Gender differences are discussed and results are compared with earlier studies from 1992, 1989, and 1986. (LRW)

Describes a research project where fifth- and sixth-grade students compiled information from original sources and presented it on a Web site. Discusses planning, students' critical thinking in research strategies, and learning outcomes. Includes a summary of selected topics researched with a note on technology skills used. (AEF)

This study evaluated the use of information technology (IT) communication tools with five British students (ages 3.5 to 17) having severe physical and learning disabilities. Four of the five students made progress in IT and social interaction skills. Discussion raises issues of strategies for effective use of IT by this population, teacher…