Four consumer education strategies (control, audiovisual presentation, pamphlet, presentation and pamphlet) and 4 consumer information strategies were used with 448 Canadians choosing fire-resistant upholstery. The information treatments influenced importance of fire resistance as a product attribute, although the education treatment affected…

A rural economic development plan was formulated using (1) the Delphi technique, with a panel from local business, government, and citizens at large; (2) interviews with a random sample of 111 county residents; and (3) interviews with executives of businesses that had relocated to the area, identifying factors leading to selection of the site. (SK)

This article points out the critical importance of up-to-date information for small business entrepreneurs and describes two innovative initiatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): the national electronic bulletin board system called "SBA On-Line" and Business Information Centers in field locations. (JDD)

Discussion of decision making focuses on a study that was conducted to examine how policymakers at the local community level use social science information in making decisions. The use of social science information and other information sources in two communities examining health care issues is described. (Contains 18 references.) (LRW)

Discussion of the concept of authority and the use of authority in evaluating information sources focuses on reputations in academic circles. Relevant literature is reviewed, authority structures within academic disciplines are examined, subject areas and disciplinary boundaries are described, and social recognition and funding support are…

Institutional researchers are often called on to compare financial performance across institutions as part of comprehensive institutional management teams. Several types and sources of national data, including databases and publications, are appropriate for this, each with particular strengths and limitations. Three sources also provide…

Examines central issues in the application of logic to information retrieval (IR). Discusses the logical relationship between document and need; implications of models based on truth, validity, or logical consequentiality, and the relationship between this issue and the issue of partiality versus totality of information; and the relationship…

Discusses how the journal "Internet Journal of Chemistry" is designed to take advantage of newly available technologies. Describes the development of the concept of an electronic journal, decision-making on the scope and coverage of the journal, financial logistics, and how the journal will be implemented. Includes perspectives on how this new…

Notes that, in response to remark that one can find anything on the Web, a student said, "You can't find my grandmother in Kenya!" Describes resulting Web search, and discusses important lessons from what they found. Concludes the Web is far from worldwide. Includes brief information on particular database located at United Nations site;…

Outlines the history of the doctrine of judicial review, which makes the Supreme Court the final arbiter in questions of constitutional interpretation. Discusses debates over the structure and role of the judiciary at the Constitutional Convention, the impact of Chief Justice John Marshall, and distinctive features of 20th-century judicial…

Identifies useful Internet sites about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the results of searching these sites to answer common questions concerning incidence of ADHD, basic information about Ritalin drug therapy, educational placement of students with ADHD, sources of information about special needs, and what parents can do at…

Describes the building of a list of constructed-impact factors (CIF) for biomedical journals not included in the 1996 editions of the "Journal Citation Reports." The online retrieval from the host DIMDI of the data needed for impact-factor calculation is described. The top 100 (of 338 titles, ranked according to their CIFs) are…

Provides a brief review of events in the history of the American Society for Information Science (ASIS) that have contributed to its evolution as a significant source of continuing professional education. Discusses the role of conferences, publications and workshops in terms of their contribution to the formation of a professional identity.…

Discusses basic assumptions behind the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and suggests that often Web pages are not accessible to the visually impaired. Highlights several resources that deal with the issues surrounding adaptive technology and disabilities, as well as tools and utilities for checking Web services. (AEF)

Investigated whether HIV-prevention program planners sought out science in designing interventions and, if not, where they gathered prevention information. Surveys of program mangers nationwide indicated that three important sources of information were peers and colleagues, departments of public health, and the Centers for Disease Control and…