Three overlapping models of new technology diffusion are described in relation to the Internet: (1) individual threshold; (2) critical mass; and (3) strength of weak ties. The prospective role of academic libraries in the electronic development of the scholarly communication system is discussed, and further research is suggested. (55 references)…

Asserts that the Internet will become the academic communication medium for historians in the 1990s. Describes the "file transfer protocol" (FTP) access approach to the Internet and discusses its significant for historical research. Includes instructions for using FTP and a list of history-related FTP sites. (CFR)

A survey to discover what academic libraries were doing in the area of CD-ROM networking found that (1) all responding libraries utilized CD-ROM technology; (2) great diversity existed in the number of databases and workstation owned; (3) different staffing patterns exist between networked and nonnetworked libraries; and (4) 21 institutions had…

Discusses the results of a survey of librarians who hold a subject master's degree in addition to the Master's of Library Science (MLS) which was conducted to determine the perceived value of such degrees to their work, salary, and career advancement. Hypotheses tested are explained, and further research is suggested. (nine references) (LRW)

Introduces eight articles on the Integrated Information Center (IIC) Project, which investigated significant behavioral, technological, organizational, financial, and legal factors involved in the management of IICs. Four articles address design and management issues of general interest, and four focus on specific design considerations and a…

A national survey which examined the occupational role identity of female academic librarians collected personal, demographic, and job data. In addition, a test for orientation to the occupational role and a sex-role orientation test were administered. Women academic librarians were found to hold a positive and unique occupational role identity.…

Describes a study that analyzed the differences between 1,133 public and technical services positions described in job advertisements in 1988. Content analysis was used to determine differences in the levels of computer skills, foreign-language requirements, previous work experience, education requirements, and minimum salary offered. (20…

Discusses problems in academic research and their effects on libraries. Topics discussed include the trend toward rapid publication in the scientific fields; competition for academic research and development funding; the relationship between federal funding and publications; the role of libraries in the research process; and the role of vendors.…

Identifies characteristics of the international student population and patterns of international students' library use. The students' prior use of microcomputers and their current perceived difficulties in using libraries are reported, and the implications for libraries are drawn. Fourteen tables provide data about student characteristics and…

Compares the impact of manual and online search methods on the interdisciplinary search task in terms of relevance of retrieved items, user effort, user satisfaction, user confidence, and future use. The study, using the Kuhlthau model, focused on journalism classes researching judicial decisions relating to mass media. (31 references) (Author/KRN)

Discusses the role of professional associations in theological librarianship in accreditation, advocacy, and education. The need for the profession to expand its impact on theological research and teaching, the need for preservation of library materials, the impact of new technology on library budgets and practices, and the myth of free…

Outlines the importance of sharing information resources for the intellectual development of high school students and describes cooperation between Davis Senior High School and the University of California at Davis to provide high school students access to the Internet and other information networks. Applications for students, classrooms, and…

Advocates the formulation of an information systems strategy for higher education in light of trends affecting the information age, including globalization, networking, restructuring, pluralism, and automation. Management strategies of leadership, responsibility, organization, and funding are discussed; and implications for instruction, outreach,…

Describes a study that used transaction log analysis to investigate the use of subject searching in the University of California's Online Union Catalog, MELVYL. Mathematical models of trends and patterns in the data are presented, problems with subject searching are explained, and remedies to subject searching problems are suggested. (62…

Describes a study that examined changes in the directors of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries from 1970-89. Directors' characteristics are discussed, including gender, previous position held, age, and highest degree; library characteristics are described, including size of collection and expenditures; and literature about…