Describes a multifaceted approach for generating systematic information on scientific and technological institutions in developing countries based on the concept of the research system as a multiorganizational network. Provides an account of how this approach was implemented in a three-country study to shed light on problems in developing…

Describes the results of a survey conducted at the University of Illinois at Chicago that compared faculty use of, preferences for, and satisfaction with two software interfaces for the locally loaded ERIC database. Use of other local online databases was also examined. (Author/LRW)

Analysis of states' utilization of large residential settings for individuals with mental retardation and related conditions found that some states with low use of large public facilities may actually have high use of large nonpublic facilities. A chart showing utilization rates by states for various types (public and nonpublic) of large settings…

Discussion of library use and user satisfaction focuses on two measures, one based on weighted data and the second based on factor analysis. These measures were studied for their interrelationship and were used to evaluate library services at the National University of Rwanda (Africa). (LRW)

Discussion of the use of CD-ROM databases focuses on a study conducted at Russell Sage College (New York) that examined user attitudes toward CD-ROM technology and shifts in journal usage patterns. Highlights include previous studies, comparisons of print indexes and CD-ROM databases, and suggestions for future research. (LRW)

Investigates how word processing experience influences tenth grade student performance on a writing assessment. Examines factors influencing a student's decision about using word processors for writing; relationship between experience with the technology and scores on word processed essays; and differences in length, neatness, mechanical…

Reports on the initial results of a predictive validity study of the College Maladjustment (Mt) Scale. Results indicate that Mt scale scores were significantly associated with total number of client contacts, number of scheduled appointments, frequency of contacts, and number of cancellations. Suggests that Mt scale has some predictive validity.…

Discussion of journals that are published exclusively in electronic format focuses on the way they affect the communication of scientific information to the research community. Highlights include the impermanence of electronic materials; access; indexing; library holdings; pricing; cataloging; citations; and considerations for further study.…

This study surveyed a random sample of scholars in nine scientific disciplines from private and public colleges and universities across the United States and Canada to determine use and non-use of electronic prints (e-prints, or journal article preprints) archives in different disciplines. Discusses reasons for use and non-use, including…

Reviews studies of student usage of the Internet to determine how they use the Web for research. Preliminary data suggest the majority of students begin a research assignment with the Internet, most often with a commercial search engine. Undetermined is whether students have adequate information literacy skills to find authoritative information…

The online searching behavior of 170 nonacademic end users (journalists and politicians) was evaluated and compared to the searching behavior of information professionals. Findings discuss ways in which end user behavior does and does not conform information professionals' preconceptions and how searching behavior is related to levels of…

A two-year qualitative study evaluated use of assistive technology by 13 students. Excerpts from case studies illustrate the perspectives of parents, specialists (physical therapists and speech language pathologists), special and regular education teachers, instructional assistants, student users, and peers. Results demonstrate the complex…

Examines high school students' use of the World Wide Web to complete assignments. Findings showed the students used a good variety of resources, including libraries and the World Wide Web, to find information for assignments. However, students were weak at determining the quality of the information found on web sites. Students did poorly at…

Examines contributing factors for the organizational usability of state digital libraries through evidence from usage statistics of Internet-based database services available through a state digital library, a statewide-administered library survey, and a Web-based survey of users. Presents an organizational usability model for state digital…

Describes an exploratory study of the educational effectiveness of course Web sites among undergraduate accounting students and graduate students in business statistics. Measured Web site visit frequency, usefulness of each site feature, and the impacts of Web sites on perceived learning and course performance. (Author/LRW)