Discusses the effect of computerization of the work environment on psychosocial communication. The RAM program, developed at Stockholm University to explore the effect of computers on the structure of organizations and the psychosocial work environment, is described; theoretical models are explained; and the future use of knowledge-based systems…

Provides a summary of the 1991 conference of the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE). Highlights include an evaluation of the doctorate degree; problems with traditional library education; the need for multidisciplinary curriculums; statistics about library science educators; postgraduate internships; and revised…

Discusses query formulation in information retrieval systems within the framework of adaptive linear models. User preference is emphasized, acceptable ranking strategies are described, query formulation and inductive learning are discussed, relevance feedback and probabilistic approaches are examined, and problems encountered in the design of an…

Describes the impact that the war on drugs in Colombia has had on their library services and on the lives of professional librarians. Topics discussed include political, staffing, budget, resource, and physical plant problems; the serious shortage of professional librarians; and extending library service to rural areas. (LRW)

Discusses the use of computer conferencing in education; addresses difficulties involved in conferencing software, including computer literacy, the communications technology, the conferencing interface, integration with other software, and limitations on access; and describes FICS (Friendly Interface to Conferencing System) that was developed at…

Discusses the Internet as a resource for secondary school students and describes a three-day Internet Information Literacy unit that is designed to improve students' critical thinking skills in using the Internet. Considers reliability problems, evaluation criteria, navigation problems, and effective research strategies. (LRW)

Addresses the difficulties of integrating information technology in higher education that the authors maintain are rooted in psychological, sociological, and cultural factors that influence the structure of higher education, as well as the conception of teaching by the faculty. Discusses interaction between faculty and students and long-range…

Explains why the Internet is not replacing libraries. Highlights include the lack of substantive material that is available; problems with finding what is there; the lack of quality control; physical difficulties with reading electronic texts; high costs of digitizing; and lack of access to older material. (LRW)

Reports results of a survey conducted to determine perceptions of the barriers to distance education. Sixty-four barriers were determined from a review of the literature and clustered into the following 10 factors, based on survey responses: administrative structure; organizational change; technical expertise; social interaction and quality;…

From a systemic reform perspective, this article examines risk and resilience research and its application in education, describing: application of the risk-factor model and its effects in education; resilience research and its educational application as a novel alternative to risk-based approaches; and how socio-political adherence to the…

An AASA report says 80 percent of the nation's superintendents are evaluated annually and 12 percent more often than that. However, comprehensive assessments are rare. Most are done in closed session and are rather perfunctory. Reluctant to use student outcomes, boards are trying more detailed approaches. (MLH)

Examines users' accounts of asking reference questions in Canadian public or academic libraries. Discusses problems, including failure to conduct a reference interview, unmonitored referral, and failure to ask follow-up questions; and considers how the availability of electronic resources, including the Web, has changed reference transactions and…

This second installment of an article on a collaborative project involving high school and elementary students focuses on cooperative learning techniques with computers in language arts. Topics include classroom design, hands-on learning, new teaching and learning perspectives, sample assignments, the down side of technology, and recommendations.…

Describes changes in a required library research course at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh that focused on providing information more directly related to students' fields of study. Differences in the content for various disciplines are discussed, problems are described, and future plans are considered. (LRW)

Although those charged with developing learning standards for Maine students have tried to be inclusive, there are some likely challenges ahead. Planners need to include the views of less educated, less successful, or very conservative persons; reach consensus on defining the basics; resolve equity versus excellence issues; and incorporate…