This special section on CD-ROM and multimedia includes three articles: "What You Need to Know before Networking CD-ROMs" (David Burke); "Multimedia in a Traditional Library Setting" (Norman K. Peterson and Laurn Wilhelm); and "SilverPlatter Embraces the Future" (Pat Ensor). Reviews of two CD-ROM products are also…

Identifies outcomes that an assessment program oriented to black students in higher education can reasonably be expected to produce. Components of a database on which retention decisions and actions may be developed are explored. Valid assessment may be the key to designing effective retention plans. (SLD)

A corpus-based approach is used to describe types of spelling errors, concluding that there are a variety of sources for the differences in the sound system of English and the first language of the students in the study. The teaching of spelling and the inclusion of a contrastive analysis approach in English courses are advocated. (20 references)…

Illustrates aspects of a reflective mathematics education using a project for 14- and 15-year olds. Argues for organizing mathematics education to develop different types of knowing: mathematical skills and concepts; technological competence in applications and mathematical model building; and reflective evaluations of consequences. (53…

Includes five articles covering privacy issues surrounding the use of government data by the private commercial sector to profile individuals or households for marketing purposes. The creation of a privacy protection commission, Bureau of the Census measures to protect privacy, and the need for legislation, regulation, and enforcement are…

The University of Tennessee's coordinated Faculty Interests/Funding Opportunities database system comprises statewide computer networking facilities, information from many sources, results of annual surveys, over 50 relational database files and software, and software applications. The system allows matching of information on funding opportunities…

Describes a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course in the United Kingdom that was offered to develop teachers' computer use and skills. Results of four questionnaires that evaluated skills before the course and after one year of teaching are discussed, and requirements for information technology skills are examined. (five references)…

Describes a variety of technological advancements being used at the library of the American Foundation for the Blind to make library operations and services accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. The database management system INMAGIC is explained, and sidebars describe various other technologies. (LRW)

Ways in which computers can contribute to science instruction are described. Science software is classified according to the primary assistance provided the teacher-instruction, information, or measurement and analysis. Drill and practice, simulations, tutorials, interactive videodisc, word processors, spreadsheets, databases, microcomputer-based…

The Magazine and Journal Instructional Kit (MAJIK/1) is a HyperCard program delivering basic individualized library instruction. Using a technique derived from naturalistic inquiry, the program's formative evaluation was conducted at the University of Maryland, College Park, with 28 upperclassmen as subjects. They reported little difficulty with…

BUDCAT/MEDIT software mounted on Digital Equipment Corporation VAX equipment at the University of Saskatchewan Library has proven to be effective for rapidly creating a database for the collection of government publications. Simplified records and the ease of using this system have made it possible to create a database with only minimal additional…

Efforts to assess quality of academic life at Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) resulted in a plan to merge qualitative and quantitative measures and uncovered political, logistical, and fiscal issues in collection and use of the two kinds of data. Although qualitative databases are costly, they are also very useful in different ways. (Author/MSE)

Includes five articles that examine the application of information technology to cultural activities throughout the world. Highlights include the development of information standards for the description of art objects; standards for the computerized exchange of museum information; the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN); vocabulary…

Considers the success and satisfaction of end users' searches on CD-ROM systems. Topics discussed include introductory training lessons; the selection of appropriate databases; search strategies; and implications for the role of library staff and for staffing patterns. Examples of end-user search techniques and common errors are included. (11…

Human-computer interface design concepts are used as the criteria for evaluating the benefits and shortcomings of San Diego State University Library's online catalog, INNOPAC (the PAC). Features discussed include integrated files, search capabilities, system availability, user interface, record-to-record links, boolean operations, subject access,…