Reviews arguments for and against fees for online services and describes a supply side model in which the library absorbs the costs of online searching. The implementation of this policy at an academic library is evaluated and detailed guidelines for implementing such a policy are provided. (CLB)

Outlines the evaluation criteria used by the reference department at the Williams Library at the University of Mississippi in selecting databases and hardware used in CD-ROM workstations. The factors discussed include database coverage, costs, and security. (CLB)

The microcomputer revolution, in which small and large computers have gained tremendously in capability, has created a distributed computing environment. This circumstance presents administrators with the opportunities and the dilemmas of choosing appropriate computing resources for each situation. (Author/MSE)

Examines the role and methodology of database teaching in library and information science education. Discussion covers the issues of educational objectives, curriculum development, course content, the use of sample databases, key factors in software choice, and the need for inhouse documentation. (16 references) (CLB)

The first of two articles discusses the technical issues of text transfer and processing encountered by the Knowledge Warehouse project. The second describes the development of the concept of a national electronic archive, and discusses issues such as contractual agreements, access control, copyrights, and commercial aspects of value added…

Describes a prototype expert system that can be used in consultation mode to assist users in their searches, or in simulation coach or Socratic tutor modes to instruct professionals in the reference process. Examples of transactions in each mode are given, and a glossary is provided. (19 notes with references) (CLB)

Examines the link between the publish or perish issue and the quantity and quality of scholarly publications and explores the costs to libraries resulting from this situation. The use of electronic publishing as an alternative to serial collections and recommendations from the American Council of Learned Societies are discussed. (CLB)

The trend toward teaching library users to design and execute their own database searches is examined, three methods of providing this instruction (course-integrated, classroom-based, and self-service) are described, and the librarian's role is discussed. (MSE)

In the first of two articles, William Potter discusses the drawbacks and opportunities presented by advances in technology, including budgeting for online access, dealing with publishers and producers, and relating to computing centers. In the second, Paul Metz discusses collection development in academic libraries with emphasis on new electronic…

Reviews the development of technological innovations in information delivery, including microforms, electronic processing, online distribution, full-text abstracts online, floppy disks, downloading, vertical integration, electronic publishing, and optical disks. The impact of technology on the information industry and the need to use technology…

Reviews European attitudes toward information policy developments in West Germany, and describes recent activities undertaken by the German private sector, plans to reorganize the Society for Information and Documentation, and the federal government's specialized information program. The policies, structure, and activities of the Scientific and…

Argues that if computers are to play a role in language arts instruction, teachers need to reflect on their programs, selecting software congruent with children's interests as well as their teaching thrusts. Suggests using shell and database programs because they allow students to work with original ideas. (SRT)

Discusses academic information and communications needs of college and university researchers, and describes structure, uses, costs, advantages, and limitations of ScholarNet, an international computer network providing professionals in the humanities and social sciences with current professional news, a medium for data and text sharing,…

Introduces courseware authoring systems, which are defined as software devised for an instructional environment that simplifies courseware development. The process of courseware authoring consists of two basic elements--computer and lesson--which are further subdivided. The use of authoring systems to simplify each of these subcomponents is…

Discusses types of software most useful in social studies classes--games, simulations, and word processing, database, spreadsheets, and graphing--and introduces applications software through descriptions of four learning activities from different parts of the social studies curriculum: introducing databases, writing historical journals, tracking…