Provides an overview of some of the main ideas in the philosophy of language that have relevance to the issues of information retrieval, focusing on the description of the intellectual content. Highlights include retrieval problems; recall and precision; words and meanings; context; externalism and the philosophy of language; and scaffolding and…

Discusses problems associated with manually created or maintained hyperdocument links and the need for automatic methods, describes a system for the automatic detection and management of various links, and presents a case study of a World Wide Web hyperbase for the Australian parliament. (Author/LRW)

Although cataloging, document delivery, inventory, barcoding, and other technical jobs might more effectively be done by outside contractors, managing a library and serving patrons demands the attention of information professionals. Discusses the shortcomings of outsourcing, focusing on companies and associations that outsource the entire…

A survey of 72 New South Wales vocational teachers revealed that competency-based training has created perceived pressures to pass students, is difficult to implement with limited resources, encourages modularization, and is hampered by unsatisfactory assessment and standards. Over 61% of the teachers felt that it has hindered or severely hindered…

A survey of 200 volunteer monitors in literacy centers in India identified problems they had, particularly in acquiring suitable materials and securing cooperation from agencies and communities. Some relationship between monitors' personal characteristics and problems was found, suggesting a need for preservice and inservice training. (SK)

Discusses digital intellectual property rights relating to peer-to-peer networks, using Napster as an example. Suggests anti-piracy solutions to prevent litigation and considers how libraries can develop potential service models using peer-to-peer networks, including the development of personal libraries on the Internet, interlibrary loan,…

Discusses issues involved in moving a library collection based on experiences at the Fort Smith Public Library. Highlights include planning; deciding on the right time to move; measuring collection size; personnel, including professional versus volunteers and library staff; service during the move; transporting the collection; communication with…

Discusses how many college officials expect chaos when the federal government imposes its January 30 deadline for colleges to comply with Sevis, a computerized system for tracking foreign students. (EV)

The first of two articles on the nature of the growing problem of automated information systems security, especially in the federal government, this article presents a brief history of the problem and describes the need for integrating security activities into overall policies and programs to help reduce system vulnerabilities and risks. (23…

Summarizes findings of December 1987 hearings in Des Moines and Nashville on the dimensions of mental health problems in rural America. Outlines 18 Commission recommendations to Congress and state legislatures covering mental health service delivery, funding, public education, professional education, and research. (SV)

Discusses origins of Transborder Data Flows (TDFs) as an international problem in the early 1970s. Shows how technological development in telecommunications and networks has made regulation more complex and urgent. Recommends the internationalization of the Key Escrowed Encryption System (KEES) and the development of broad international TDF…

Discusses factors which lead to attrition from adult distance learning courses. Learning barriers included situational, institutional, dispositional, and epistemological factors. Comparisons between persisters and withdrawals are presented, and the study's impact on future distance learning programs is discussed. (Contains 26 references.) (SLW)

Describes the information environment of managers by presenting a model and by reviewing pertinent literature. Structural components of the model include general managerial behaviors, management roles, managerial activities, decision making, problem dimensions, and characteristics of the person and of the organization. (Contains 192 references.)…

Discusses the development of successful pricing algorithms for cooperative library automation projects. Highlights include desirable characteristics of pricing measures, including simplicity and the ability to allow for system growth; problems with transaction-based systems; and a review of the pricing strategies of seven library consortia.…

Discusses critical thinking skills needed for student research projects using the Internet. Notes the difference between an open mind and an empty mind; suggests a strategy for teaching students the difference. Explains techniques students should learn before trying keyword searches on the Internet and discusses ways to overcome obstacles. (AEF)