Descriptions of microcomputer software packages currently available in Australia emphasize those used by special and school libraries. Software for library management functions, text retrieval, and database management systems are included, and geographical distribution is examined. The need for professional development courses in software…

This discussion of the benefits of audio teleconferencing for distance education programs and for business and government applications focuses on the recent experience of Canadian educational users. Four successful operating models and their costs are reviewed, and it is concluded that audio teleconferencing is cost efficient and educationally…

Considers developments in education for information against a background of social and economic change. Highlights include a brief literature review of definitions of information science and information studies; the nature of educational change; and new curriculum in library and information studies schools, with Queens University in Belfast as an…

This discussion of the development of new degree programs in West Germany in the fields of librarianship, information, and documentation (LID) focuses on a pilot project sponsored by the government. Highlights include LID curriculum, practical professional experience, and a description of the new department established at the Polytechnic of…

This discussion of satellite technology focuses on its use for educational and rural development programs and includes cost estimates from several different projects in developed and developing countries. Educational television costs are described, including reception equipment and programing. Support services are also discussed. (LRW)

Reviews a computerized monitoring system for distance education students at Athabasca University designed to solve the problems of tracking student performance. A pilot project for tutors is described which includes an electronic conferencing system and electronic mail, and an evaluation currently in progress is briefly discussed. (LRW)

Presents a rationale for the teaching of materials in engineering degree courses. Reviews the requirements established by various professional engineering bodies in the United Kingdom for accredited engineering degree courses. Discusses the aims of the course as well as instructional concerns. (ML)

Examines the internationalism of the network marketplace through case studies of the London Stock Exchange and I. P. Sharp Associates, a Canadian computer service bureau. Discussion focuses on the importance of transnational computer networks to the production of information services and marketplace expansion, and global information policy issues.…

Discussion of inservice teacher education focuses on a program in London designed to develop the use of computers in primary schools. Topics discussed include objectives of the program; courses for advisory staff, educational administrators, and politicians; parents' meetings; user groups; and a program newsletter. (LRW)

Describes computer use in the undergraduate physics laboratory at the University of Toronto. Topics discussed include user interfaces; local area networking; data analysis and acquisition; other computer applications, including a programmable calculator and word processing; and an example of an experiment involving gravity. (LRW)

The first of two articles describes a pilot project that offered library courses to penitentiary inmates, including the preparation of an education model for certification and the development of learning modules appropriate to distance education. The second describes the prison library and the reactions of inmates enrolled in the program. (CLB)

The first of two articles describes the development of a protocol for interlibrary loan communications by the National Library of Canada, and discusses the benefits derived from standards that allow libraries using different communications equipment to exchange messages. The second discusses the impact of the standardized protocol on…

Reports on a 1987 survey of automation in Australian academic and state libraries. The current situation is described in several areas: (1) turnkey integrated "proprietary" library system suppliers; (2) networks; (3) modules; (4) database issues; and (5) staffing trends. The questionnaire and data on proprietary systems and modules used…

The first of two articles examines the process of obtaining federal aid in Australia by comparing a successful effort by school libraries and a failure to obtain public library funding. The second explores the potentially negative effects of defending professional rights and status to the extent of alienating funding agencies. (CLB)

Describes the history and current status of bibliographic control in Japanese libraries, including the necessity for standardizing the combination of Japanese phonetic script and Chinese characters. The results of a survey of bibliographic activities and library automation are presented, and a developing plan to establish Japanese bibliographic…