Presents a case study of the implementation of a 2-year project designed to stimulate the use of an electronic mail system called BIZNET by 1,100 part-time MBA (Masters in Business Administration) students at Santa Clara University (California). Topics addressed include the institutional setting, the development of BIZNET, and system description,…

An auxiliary study of the direct observation method for counting periodical usage in Evans Library at Texas A&M University found that student observations contain substantial error and that aggregation problems and cost issues are fundamental constraints to this method. Concludes direct observation may be useful in calibrating the results of…

Examines the impact of social class on the relationship between ideologies of time and mass media use within the family system. Finds that families from different social strata have distinct beliefs about the value and use of time, beliefs that shape their media-related behaviors. (RS)

Describes an assignment in writing documentation that turns the classroom into a laboratory for usability testing, giving students a clear sense of the reader responding to their text. (SR)

Discussion of planning for reference service focuses on assessing past practices and statistics of past use to help plan for the future. Topics addressed include identifying an organizational goal and staff training, including professionals and nonprofessionals. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

Examines factors influencing use of technology by faculty members at an American university. The most important factors are the faculty's need to be certain that the technology will improve student learning and equipment availability. Other factors include funds for materials purchase, advantages over other delivery methods, and contribution to…

Microcomputer installation in schools has increased annually since 1983, and microcomputers are now utilized throughout Japan's educational system, both in elementary and secondary classrooms and for educational research. Most of the computer software used in computer-assisted instruction is acquired externally, as opposed to developing the…

Review of research investigating gender differences in computer-related behavior examines statistical and methodological flaws. Issues addressed include sample selection, sample size, scale development, scale quality, the use of univariate and multivariate analyses, regressional analysis, construct definition, construct testing, and the…

Discussion of ways libraries deal with patrons with various disabilities focuses on a project that investigated the effects of bibliographic instruction on mentally retarded adults using public libraries. Evaluation of the instruction by examining patrons' use of their library cards is described, and results of pretests and posttests are…

Describes a videodisc project at Cleveland State University that was set up to improve the delivery of information by education professors. An exploratory study conducted to investigate factors that influence the use of technology by faculty who teach the core curricula in the education program is also described. (11 references) (LRW)

Examines how the U.S. public views the benefits associated with local governments' recreation and park services. The study concerns use of services; types of benefits perceived at the individual and group levels; and relationships between the respondent's perception of benefits, socioeconomic and demographic status, and use of such services. (GLR)

Discusses a survey undertaken in 1992 to gauge general user response to the online catalog used at a large state university library. A description of the library and its automated system (based on Geac/ADVANCE integrated software), the study methodology, and results are covered. A copy of the two-page survey is appended. (Contains five…

This last article in a four-part series describes database selection behavior of end-users of the EasyNet Scan feature in the categories of people, news, and general reference. Databases are ranked in descending order of selection, the value of multifile search strategies is confirmed, and plans for further investigations are presented. (LRW)

Investigates whether and how "cultural standards" influenced the use of cellular telephones by German and Chinese users. Uses focus groups, usability tests, and a questionnaire to determine how users obtained product information. Reports the varying learning and information-gathering strategies of Chinese and German users in terms of…

Reports on a survey on the use and impact of electronic resume management (ERM) systems in major corporations. Investigates the amount of ERM usage, methods and procedures used for capturing resume data, and the degree to which these systems are meeting personnel managers' expectations. Discusses implications for teachers who give instruction…