Discussion of online databases and their hardware and software requirements, interactive search techniques, and costs focuses on information services of interest to higher education. Bibliographic, full-text, and online conferencing databases are described, menu-driven and command-driven information systems are explained, and modems are discussed.…

Reviews reasons why electronic journals have not replaced printed materials, and describes ways in which new technologies such as online searching, full text databases, facsimile transmission, optical disk, and other electronic storage methods are offering alternative methods of access to printed journals. Future technological developments and…

Discusses telefacsimile technology and its possible uses in libraries. Applications for interlibrary loan, document retrieval, and reference services are described, speed and cost of service are examined, user satisfaction is discussed, and recent technological developments are reviewed, including the use of telefacsimile with microcomputers and…

Provides an overview of electronic mail in libraries. Topics discussed include general business applications; interlibrary loan; acquisition and claims systems; document delivery; complete text journal databases; reference requests and answers; obstacles to electronic mail usage; telecommunications; cost factors; and the impact of voice mail and…

Describes the role of browsing in online searching and difficulties encountered in attempting to browse call number indexes. The discussion covers the benefits of clustering class number ranges and strategies for overcoming the major problems related to Library of Congress classification use in an online catalog. (11 references) (CLB)

Describes the historical background, structure, and services of OCLC. Ways in which OCLC can assist small rural libraries in meeting users' needs are discussed, including cataloging, access to a wide range of library resources, access to CD-ROM technology, and provision of a major resource sharing tool through the "Online Union Catalog"…

Analyzes Haiti's increased primary school enrollment since 1972 in terms of return on family investment. Discusses the high rates of return to capital in conditions of extreme poverty, and the influences that hope, U.S. immigration policies, and school meal and insurance programs have had on enrollment. Contains 20 references. (SV)

Examines key issues facing administrators at Athabasca University and discusses their implications for distance education organizations. Topics discussed include strategic planning; accountability and cost effectiveness; consortia and cooperation; instructional design; managing technological innovation; marketing; quality assurance; and…

The application of a systems approach to intergenerational programs is described. This collaborative programing involves structured thinking about program development and problem solving. Components of the process of linking systems are presented, and some examples of local, state, and national efforts are described. Anticipated outcomes of the…

Discussion of research that evaluates the effectiveness of interactive video used for training in the United States and in the United Kingdom highlights a program developed for the Ford Motor Company. Topics discussed include content-treatment interaction; learning strategies; intermode differences; research criteria; pretest and posttest results;…

Using data from 28 mildly retarded high-school graduates, the economic costs and outcomes resulting from special education services were determined. Results indicated that with appropriately identified, measured, and valued costs and benefits, it is possible to employ a formal benefit-cost framework to assess the efficiency of special education…

Describes the development of a hypertext-based library instruction program at Algonquin College (Ottawa) that used a shareware program called Simply Help! for developing help screens. Topics include a prototype program; pilot testing the library instruction, including faculty response and student surveys; and evaluation after full implementation.…

Describes several corporations' in-house produced interactive multimedia training methods that use video and CD-ROMs to simulate work activities. Reviews each training method's design, computer equipment, costs, benefits, and lessons learned. Lists 10 checkpoints for charting a successful interactive course and a sidebar presents a cost benefit…

As a result of a survey and cost analysis, it was found that audiotaped tour programs are the most successful means for introducing college freshmen to library physical layout and basic finding tools. This is proof of the continuing feasibility of the audiotaped tour's role as a foundation of library instruction. (JMV)

Examines the role of student employees in academic libraries using data from Southern Statistics and Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Compares students' contributions to the full-time equivalents (FTEs), the cost-effectiveness of student employment, and Canadian libraries versus American libraries. Discusses the staffing mix, student…