Reviews computer software programs that are useful for teaching history. Three categories are examined: reference libraries on CD-ROMs and videodisks; multimedia electronic textbooks; and single-event programs. A chart that indicates publisher, hardware requirements, price, grade level, program information, print capabilities, and special features…

Compares a multimedia adult literacy instructional course, Reading to Educate and Develop Yourself (READY), to traditional classroom instruction by studying effects of replacing conventional learning tools with computer-assisted instruction (CD-ROMs and audio software). Results reveal that READY surpassed traditional instruction for virtually…

Provides guidelines for purchasing and installing CD-ROM technology in school libraries. Considerations include hardware and software selection and familiarity with new products. Two lists are provided that contain contact information for six companies and recommendations for six standard CD-ROM reference sources to include on a network. (JKP)

Discusses key developments in library automation. Topics discussed include online database vendors; bibliographic utilities; local online systems, i.e., turnkey circulation systems and academic systems that have incorporated online catalogs, circulation, acquisitions, and serials control; commercial integrated systems; CD-ROMs; local online…

Describes the Intelligent Reference Information System (IRIS) at the University of Houston libraries which includes a local area network of CD-ROM databases and an expert system to recommend reference sources. Effects of IRIS on public services management, bibliographic instruction, and collection development are discussed; and network licensing,…

Provides guidelines for selection of a local area network for a high school library and discusses network and equipment costs and computer requirements, including recommendations regarding monitors, printers, compact disk players, mouse devices, and computer architecture. A second article reviews new technology exhibited at a recent computer…

Presents a 10-point checklist for choosing children's educational software that is free of cultural bias. Each point is illustrated with examples drawn from currently available software. A sidebar lists 25 educational software programs in the areas of social studies, ecology, math and logic, and language arts from which examples were drawn. (three…

Describes the integration of microcomputers and CD-ROMs into an elementary school in North Carolina. Topics addressed include computer networks; classroom computers; computer labs; printing capabilities; library and administrative access; phone systems; other building uses, including the lunch program and climate control; funding; and teacher…

Presents the results of a study of CD-ROM database use by 100 university students. The students' age, level of study, course of study, and reasons for nonuse are reported. Implications of the study, and suggestions for promoting CD-ROM use and involving faculty in raising awareness are presented. (eight references) (KRN)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 60 government information sources published by federal, international, and state and local agencies. Publications in the areas of the environment, women, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), everyday living, historical sources, reference materials, and electronic sources are highlighted; and a sidebar…

Describes a hypermedia/compact disk program designed to provide beginning and advanced music listeners with a tool for learning about an opera, i.e., "The Magic Flute." Hardware and software requirements for accessing the multimedia program are described, and it is suggested that the program can be used to study the opera's music,…

Reviews "The American Indian: A Multimedia Encyclopedia," Version 1.0 (New York, Facts on File, Inc., 1993). This electronic product (compact disk) presents a great amount of material on American Indians from various formats, but its effectiveness is limited by the dated nature of some materials. Software design and searching features are…

Describes services offered at the Dag Hammarskjold Library at the United Nations (UN). Highlights include adopting new technology for a virtual library; the international law collection which is now accessible through the World Wide Web; UN depository libraries; material available on the Internet; the Optical Disk System, a storage/retrieval…

Discusses knowledge organization tools in the context of seven challenges facing library classification systems. Highlights include revisions to the Dewey Decimal Classification, the Windows-based CD-ROM version of Dewey, support for machine-assisted classification, multilingual use of Dewey, use of Dewey as a general knowledge organization and…

Provides relevant annotated resources and suggests class activities centered around the theme of communities, including animal communities, historic communities, and aiding contemporary communities. Describes Web sites, CD-ROMs, computer software, videos, and books; specifies age levels and appropriate curriculum areas. (LRW)