Described are some of the ways in which computers can enter invisibly into people's lives. The social issues that embodied virtuality will engender are discussed. The hardware and software, connected by wires, radio waves, and infrared that will allow this to occur are described. (KR)

Creative applications of computer networks are discussed. Products and services of the future that come from imaginative applications of both channel and computing capacity are described. The topics of entertainment, transactions, and electronic personal surrogates are included. (KR)

Discusses the value of information-based services in today's global economy. The combination of information technology with library and information services at an international accounting and auditing firm is described; the Global Information Network is explained; and the importance of the appropriate use of information is discussed. (LRW)

Brief reviews and descriptions cover USENET (for those interested in exploring language and culture on-line); expansion of MINITEL service through interconnection with services in Spain, England, Holland, Germany, and Italy; CTLINK, which allows access to many networks; and EUDORA, an Internet-compatible mail program for MacIntosh computers. (CNP)

Discusses how standards have shaped libraries in the past and how technological advancement, information standards, and the development of information networks will shape libraries of the future. Librarians and vendors are encouraged to develop a vision of this networked future and become informed about the role standards will play. (EA)

Discusses issues in the information retrieval standards development process, including interdependency among standards, organizational responsibility, scope, and future needs. Management of the completed standard is also addressed, and the roles of specific groups concerned with standards are outlined. (EA)

Telecommunications and computer technologies are impacting future policy decisions regarding reservation development and Indian education. Describes three kinds of virtual American Indian organizations within telecommunications networks (Internet, individual bulletin board services, and commercial networks). Recommends that plans for tribal…

Begun in 1989, the LabNetwork is a telecommunications network for secondary science teachers and their students. Summer workshops provide teacher training in the network computer software and teaching methods based on student science projects. The development of a collaborative network-based "community of practice" is described. (SV)

Discusses the impact of the telecommunication experience on student skills (thinking, reading, writing, group dynamics, and basic computer literacy) and student motivation and attitudes (educational attitudes, self-concept, and world view). Discusses indirect learning as the heart of the project approach to education. Lists research questions on…

Selectively reviews the serials literature published in 1992. Issues discussed include cataloging and specifications; networked information and electronic publishing; CD-ROM serials; collection development; serials pricing; serials management; and conference reports. (Contains 122 references.) (LRW)

Examines the use of Total Quality Management (TQM) in the federal government setting. Topics covered include federal corporate culture, benefits to employees, early programs in productivity improvement, governmentwide implementation, the information network on TQM applications maintained by the Federal Quality Institute, and barriers to…

Reviews recent reference works and compares them, as appropriate, to other works. Topics represented are the Internet, periodicals, religion, literature, women's studies, ethnic studies, United States history, English history, and French history. Brief descriptions of new editions of standard works is provided at the end of the article. (KRN)

Presents a network design and development plan for a flexible, distributed client-server network of resource sharing libraries in Illinois. The plan's development in phases, design constraints and alternatives, migration strategy, and components are explained. Application of the model to other statewide or regional networks is suggested. (Contains…

Describes telecommunications developments in Saskatchewan that culminated in SCAN, the Saskatchewan Communications Advanced Network. The use of SCAN for equal access to information highlights distance education; community television; cultural information; education services; access to computer databases; the development of a Public Broadcast…

The academic computing office at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center implemented a campuswide system for information dissemination. The system has since been tied into a worldwide system. The evolution of the system is described, including selection and adoption of procedures, staffing, and development of publishing tools. (MSE)