Recent research has shown that serious misconceptions frequently survive high school and university instruction in mechanics. It is interesting to inquire whether Newton himself encountered conceptual difficulties before he wrote the "Principia." This paper compares Newton's pre-"Principia" beliefs, based upon his writings,…

Using a product called the synchro-pulse welder as a case study example, this paper discusses the activities of CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) in identifying and marketing new high-technology products. A general discussion of CSIRO's market research plans includes two goals to be attained within the next 5…

This study is intended to promote the development of the archival and records management professions in Latin America by providing basic data on the status of professionals in this area in relation to other information professionals in the public service, particularly librarians and documentalists. It deals with the basic issues of recruitment,…

This report presents findings of a special analysis designed to project science, engineering, and technician (SET) personnel requirements of both defense and nondefense sectors during the 5-year period ending in 1987 and to assess the projected supply of such personnel available to meet those requirements. Following an introduction, the report is…

This document describes the development of computer conferencing (CC) and its role within information service communities, particularly in Finland and Sweden. CC is defined as a computer-based messaging (CBM) system providing an asynchronous communications structure for group work. It is noted that CC differs from electronic mail and that CC…

A review of the literature indicates that innovations in technology are making it possible for the consumer of information, the end user, to gather his own information online. The information specialist's role is changing from that of a researcher to a trainer and leader in the information gathering process. Reports on end user training indicate…

The revolution in the information environment caused by new technology is making the training of information consumers a major challenge for publishers of business-targeted databases and vendors of online systems. Research conducted by Data Courier in 1981 and 1982 suggests that online searching by information consumers will continue to increase.…

Arguing that entrepreneurship in information provision and the use of information resources and ideas for strategic advantage are major impacts of a maturing information society, this paper begins by reviewing the history of the knowledge industries (education, research and development, communications, media, information machinery, and information…

This document contains validated activities and competencies needed by librarians working in a database distributor/service organization. The activities of professionals working in database distributor/service organizations are listed by function: Database Processing; Customer Support; System Administration; and Planning. The competencies are…

This paper examines how the revolution in human thinking, with the smaller revolution in astronomy begun by Nicolus Copernicus, has plunged science educators into the new Age of Information. Examples which illustrate this development and change in human thinking (from Copernicus' time to the present) are provided from such disciplines as…

Presents a profile of doctoral scientists and engineers in the United States constructed from data collected by the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council. The survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for scientists and engineers was 1.2 percent and the median annual salary was $20,890. (JR)

Examines trends in both the numbers of graduating scientists and engineers and the demand for technological specialists in these fields. Indicates that the energy and environmental programs will create a demand for large numbers of scientists and engineers in a variety of traditional and interdisciplinary fields. (JR)

Discusses some experimental units which are prepared at the Center for History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics and intended to serve in class and science programs to enhance public understanding of science. The materials can serve to portray the scientists as people with human concerns and motivations. (CC)

This report focuses primarily on the 1975 employment status of 1930-1974 recipients of doctorates in science and engineering residing in the United States. Approximately 63,400 persons of the 314,000 individuals on the 1975 Roster of Doctoral Scientists and Engineers compiled by the National Research Council were sampled. A variable sampling ratio…

This newsletter contains items of interest to anyone concerned with science and society interactions. The first section of this issue contains 20 news and communication items including several program descriptions, discussions of social issues related to science, and descriptions of three bibliographies. Three feature articles are also included.…