Considers appropriate use of the Internet versus unacceptable use by employees and library patrons. Topics include appropriate use of resources, creating an acceptable computer use policy, possible outcomes of inappropriate use, free speech versus institutional rights, monitoring and filtering products, and related Web sites. (LRW)

Describes a study that examined whether increased usage of computer based information systems (CBIS) results in improved end-user satisfaction. The results indicate that both the frequency of CBIS use and the proportion of total time spent using CBIS are positively correlated with end-user satisfaction. The implications for designing measures of…

Examines environmental information source reliance among American and Japanese citizens. Finds that the Japanese are inclined to rely on non-mass media sources, whereas Americans exhibit greater differentiation among sources. (RS)

An approach toward integrating evaluation into a program at its inception is presented as a way to increase utility and cost-effectiveness. Examples illustrate that such integration, combining internal and external evaluation, is preferable to independent and separate evaluation in terms of the cost to stakeholders. (SLD)

Discusses a dimensional scale for the evaluation of the multimedia user interface. Reports on a study of the use of the scale by novice graduate students at the University of Houston Clear Lake. Discusses hypermedia as a subset of multimedia, and investigates dependent measures including navigation. (LRW)

Suggests that it would be a great aid to making technical information usable if technical writers could acquire superpowers on the spot by uttering an acronym formed from the characteristics of USABILITY: User-centered, Sufficient, Accurate, Brief, Instructional, Logical, Informative, Task-oriented, and You, the technical communicator. (RS)

Directors of Alabama's 180 public libraries and 21 library systems were surveyed to determine their use and opinions of the "1988 Standards for Public Library Service in Alabama." Replies included feedback on standards directors considered most or least helpful and suggestions for additional standards. Analysis of the responses is…

Questionnaires were sent to professional authors to determine the impact of technological tools on their writing and on publishing. Although authors have embraced technology more enthusiastically than publishers, analyses of their responses indicate they are not advanced users. The changing nature of publication and pertinent legal and financial…

Finds that a majority of communication scholars surveyed would use an electronic journal to publish research reports and that most viewed publishing as a way to communicate about their work rather than as a means for advancement. (SR)

Review of research methodologies used in studies of online public access catalog (OPAC) users finds that a variety of research methodologies--e.g., surveys, transaction log analysis, interviews--have been used with varying degrees of expertise. It is concluded that poor research methodology resulting from limited training and resources limits the…

Review of research on computer technology in education in the United States focuses on four aspects of microcomputer use: (1) quantitative (number of microcomputers available to students and teachers); (2) qualitative (location and use of these computers); (3) the impact of computer use; and (4) hypotheses about nonuse, limited use, and…

Reexamines the concept of usability and methods for measuring it with regard to hypermedia. Argues that the standard usability tests for text may not apply equally well to hypermedia because of its many differences from paper documents. (SR)

Discussion of the depreciation of assets for nonprofit organizations focuses on a study conducted at the Louisiana State University Law Library to determine the cost basis for depreciation of library materials. Determining the useful life of the library materials is described and various methods of depreciation are explained. (five references)…

Found that older adults enrolled in Health Maintenance Organization who were higher users of health care services were willing to participate in health promotion programs. People aged 85+ and those with chronic diseases were slightly more reluctant to participate. Close proximity to clinic and family physician support were important correlates of…

Discusses seven factors to consider in deciding whether or not to build on AppleWorks and Apple II technology now that Apple Computer is developing little new software for the system. Factors include the impact of change on users and the existence of mail-order support services, which are listed in a sidebar. (KRN)