This discussion of assistive technology (AT) provides case studies, a definition of AT, and consideration of its benefits and challenges. The Assistive Technology Project, a two-year qualitative study, looked at AT evaluation, funding and acquisition, training, daily use, factors affecting implementation, and demands on school personnel. (DB)

This study found the patterns of circulation in various categories of adult books to be similar across the branches of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library. In only some subject categories, branch circulation levels were related to socioeconomic characteristics. (AEF)

Describes a 1994 survey about an introductory class in online communications at Wright State University. Discussion includes a profile of respondents, prior online experience, personal development, impact on personal and professional knowledge and skills, impact on communication, and barriers and limitations to the effective use of…

Presents selected results from an empirical investigation into the use of computer networks in aerospace engineering based on data from a national mail survey. The need for user-based studies of electronic networking is discussed, and a copy of the questionnaire used in the survey is appended. (Contains 46 references.) (LRW)

Reviews efforts to develop and use computer support for situated, collaborative learning. Presents lessons learned in pilot experiments designed to examine how to integrate two types of group collaboration tools: constructivist and/or minimal instructionist. Students appeared to favor the integration of instructionism into constructivist…

Examines data from the National Center for Educational Statistics to determine whether networking and resource-sharing activities of public libraries have increased libraries' use of Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Results suggest that libraries have significantly increased their borrowing through ILL in recent years. Two tables provide loan statistics.…

Describes the ELINOR (Electronic Library INformation Online Retrieval) electronic library project, which contains a large collection of full-text, high-use materials, including books, journals, course materials, and multimedia learning packages. Focuses on user aspects of the database; system architecture; copyright management; and collection,…

Discusses enduser searching of online databases and describes a study conducted at Ohio State University that compared two methods of assessing the success of enduser searches. Reasons for dissatisfaction are discussed, problems with online searches are examined, possible solutions are described, and further research is suggested. (20 references)…

Presents four articles that explore various uses of information technology in libraries: (1) the publication of faculty bibliographies by a university library using microcomputers; (2) automation in Hungarian libraries; (3) integrating Utlas' CD-CATSS system into the cataloging workflow of a university library; and (4) reevaluating an integrated…

Presents a synopsis of the results of the first phase of a study project sponsored by the National Science Foundation that examined trends, opportunities, and problems in the dissemination of scientific and technical information in the United States. Findings that are summarized concern the use of information, information technologies, and…

Describes a survey that was conducted to identify the range of software programs in use in a sample of higher education institutions, examine usage patterns, and identify those programs reported as most useful to students, including foreign students. Gender differences and perceptions of Macintosh versus IBM hardware are also considered. (LRW)

Describes results of a telephone survey of public libraries in Colorado that was conducted to assess both the attitudes and the needs of microcomputer users. Topics discussed include staff use of microcomputers; public access microcomputers; user fees; and types of hardware and software used, and types desired. (LRW)

Explores the collection and use of library and information science (LIS) monographs by academic librarians. The use of individual and focus group interviews to identify issues affecting the use and nonuse of LIS monographs is described, and the influence of promotion and tenure requirements on LIS publications is considered. (32 references) (LRW)

A study investigating variables in Canadian Chief Executive Officers' use of information sources to scan external business environments is reported. Findings show that frequency of source use correlates to perceived uncertainty and that source quality is more important than source accessibility--a finding that contradicts past user studies. (28…

Outlines a model for determining library collection use, incorporating prediction of future demand and cost analysis to assist collection development librarians determine whether weeding or remote storage is the most economically feasible way to address the space problem in libraries. (13 references) (EA)