Discussion of precision in information retrieval highlights a prototype online catalog, ILSA (Improving Library Subject Access), developed at Indiana University of Pennsylvania that uses subject clusters and classification. Topics addressed include problems with keyword searching, controlled vocabulary, and thesauri; natural language mapping…

Discusses applications of Lotus Notes groupware developed by MCI Communications Corporation librarians. The development of administrative databases used for reference request tracking, interlibrary loan, book ordering and other purposes, and corporate wide databases used to disseminate internal and external information are described. The strengths…

Presents issues about school networking: how network administrators differ from technology directors; what administrators, technology directors, teachers, and students need to know; whether school library media specialists should serve as network administrators; why basic networking knowledge is advantageous; causes of problems affecting networks;…

Discusses document delivery and the rise in periodical requests in school libraries. Problems with union listing tools, system protocols and procedures, interlibrary loan charges, and copyright procedures are described; cost effectiveness and time efficiency are considered; equitable school library services are discussed; and collection…

Describes factors creating information gaps between different sectors of Nigerian society. These include illiteracy; ineffective government policy; inadequate funds, staff, and information resources; lack of coordination; and inefficient publishing. A National Commission on Information is proposed, and its function and organization are described.…

Describes the growth and development of a library program serving a shelter for abused and neglected children and youth and a juvenile detention center in Orange County (California). Program funding, materials preferred by teen users, library management, special events, and problems are discussed. Teen patrons and their use of the services are…

Describes attempts to integrate computer technology into the preservice teacher education program at Lesley College. Topics discussed include technology goals; faculty attitudes; technology in the schools; technological developments; problems; and factors affecting adoption of computer technology, including the need for faculty to learn more about…

Describes the automated access and Internet resources menu used by the reference department at Saginaw Valley State University (Michigan) library. Resources selected for the menu, including online catalogs, online databases, Internet access, and miscellaneous resources, are described. The access process, based on PROCOMM Plus software, is…

Argues that acquisition of computer technology by public schools will make entrepreneurs and bankers rich without improving educational quality. Evidence of commercial interest in promoting technology and educator interest in acquiring technology is given. Comparisons of educational achievement in America and other countries and suggestions for…

Discussion of complaints about library education covers historical perspectives as well as current trends. Topics discussed include library school closings; curriculum; skills and knowledge employers want recent graduates to have; American Library Association (ALA) standards; student perspectives; university views of library schools and faculty;…

Describes problems encountered by the staff of the Georgia Power Company Library when they planned for the automation of their catalog. Topics discussed include developing software inhouse versus using commercial software packages; authority control and problems with standardization and subject access; changing from a mainframe to a microcomputer;…

Discussion of the Internet and the guidance of the World Wide Web Consortium focuses on scientific communication and electronic publishing. Considers the speed of communicating and disseminating information; quality issues; cost; library subscriptions; publishers; and risks and concerns, including the role of editors and reviewers or referees.…

Provides an overview of the rationale behind the World Bank credit line to Nigerian universities and examines the impact of the credit facility on the information demand and supply in the University of Agriculture, Makurdi Library (Nigeria). Discusses problems, such as poor quantity and quality of books and journals, lack of equipment, and lack of…

Presents an administrative overview on planning needed to implement information technology-based reference and instructional services in academic libraries. Discusses staffing; troubleshooting; fund raising and budget development; consortia and digital resources; and the need for continuing education. (LRW)

This article is a descriptive overview of one aspect of the history of Quebec's Tele-universite (TU). This case is used to unveil the inter-organizational and political tensions which may accompany the somewhat difficult development of a distance education model. Teleuniversite was created in 1972 as an experimental project by the Universite du…