Looks at the possible directions in which the information superhighway could take us, considering both the benefits of increased knowledge and subsequent increased participation and also the dangers, such as the excess of raw information. Suggests that this information needs to be structured, and considers implications from a global perspective.…

The Littoral et Vie website (http://umoncton.ca/littoral-vie) uses the Healthy Cities approach to provide information to and collect opinions of citizens on environmental issues in a Canadian region. The process of website development yielded lessons for design and implementation of similar sites. (SK)

Describes expert systems and discusses their use in libraries. Highlights include parts of an expert system; expert system shells; an example of how to build an expert system; a bibliography of 34 sources of information on expert systems in libraries; and a list of 10 expert system shells used in libraries. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Proposes a set of 50 criteria in seven categories for evaluating educational Internet information sources. Compares these indicators against a number of acknowledged Internet evaluation sites and identifies the most used criteria. Finds that currency, graphic design, and browsability are the most highly rated aspects to consider when evaluating…

Reviews the history of "Information Science Abstracts" (ISA)--the oldest abstracting and indexing publication covering the field of information science-as well as the history of attempts to define "information science." Derives a new working definition of the term for ISA and a subject mapping of the field from both this review…

Describes how experts create and use "bundles"--organized, highly selective collections of information--to help solve problems and maintain situation awareness. Based on fieldwork in an intensive care unit, five examples of bundles are described that illustrate the variety of bundles in use. A summary of bundle properties is given. (AEF)

Interviews with 45 family physicians indicated that 54% consulted readily available, accessible peers for advice, 24% asked peers considered experts, and 22% searched literature first. Those who asked accessible peers sought advice more frequently, rarely consulted innovators, and were least critical of advice received. (Contains 19 references.)…

Presents the research findings of an empirical study conducted in Finnish governmental organizations on task complexity and information-seeking activities in real-life work tasks. Focuses on the relationship between information types and source use, and the effects of task complexity on that relationship. (Author/LRW)

Provides a brief background of the Biological Abstracts' title index, "Biological Abstracts' Subject in Context" (BASIC) "Stop List," or compilation of nonsignificant words that were going to be automatically stopped from printing. Notes that the Stop List provided an improvement over the raw computer output of titles while…

Includes the following ready reference information: "Publishers' Toll-Free Telephone Numbers"; "How to Obtain an ISBN (International Standard Book Number)"; "How to Obtain an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)"; and "How to Obtain an SAN (Standard Address Number)". (AEF)

An Iowa extension survey of 869 farming clients who received one-on-one consultations showed that nearly half made operational changes and/or saved money using on consultants' recommendations. Only 2% were not satisfied with the information received. Although extension largely uses group methods, the substantial effectiveness of individual…

Discusses asserting and assessing authenticity of digital information sources and why authenticity is an issue now. Describes three types of technical and social strategies (public, secret, and functionally dependent) for asserting authenticity. Cites examples of requirements for authenticity from the various stages in the research process. (AEF)

Explores the receptivity of career practitioners toward career development resources on the Internet. Results demonstrate that career practitioners are generally receptive toward Internet resources; they reacted somewhat positively toward the Internet; and are beginning to utilize it. However, there remain a number of concerns, most of which can…

Agricultural producers in Nevada who enrolled in a tax management program (n=33) rated their knowledge of 6 business management tools higher than 36 nonparticipants. Although nonparticipants reported lower financial management knowledge, they were not interested in attending Extension classes nor in home study or the Internet. (SK)

In this paper, the author argues that the quantity, superabundance of information, easy availability, and quick access to information in cyberspace may engender critical thinking and the optimization of reasonableness. This point is different from, but presupposes, the commonplace view that critical thinking abilities, criteria, processes, and…