The history of reading is a fast growing and controversial area of the emerging field of book history. Methods for researching the evolution and patterns of literacy and of reading habits are not yet established, and knowledge of information sources is still limited. (MSE)

Studies the processes by which organizational newcomers acquire information from their peers. Indicates types of information acquired, channels through which they acquire it, and the relationship between type and channel. Suggests that information acquisition is affected by type of organization, newcomer-peer work interactions, and newcomer…

It is proposed that numerous national surveys of faculty since the late 1960s provide institutional researchers and others with rich sources of descriptive data to help address the shifting national issues and institutional concerns related to faculty resources. An annotated list of 12 major faculty surveys is appended. (MSE)

A third-grade classroom teacher describes five methods of communication between parents and teachers: (1) the weekly folder, (2) the informative notice, (3) weekly visits by parents, (4) the daily note, and (5) after school assistance for students, with parents discussing students' progress with the teacher when they pick up their child. (DB)

A survey of 183 undergraduate students at a large university found that male and female students differed in the importance they placed on various attributes of a university. Although there were many similarities in the responses of men and women, women rated safety, diversity, and a broad range and variety of courses significantly higher in…

Offers tips for choosing an automated library system. Topics include dealing with vendors; talking to other librarians; visiting a similar library with the same system; print sources for system information; demonstration disks; salespeople; costs; and learning about automation company competitors. (LRW)

XML is a newly released subset of SGML that is intended to extend the benefits of that standard to the World Wide Web. Differences between SGML and XML are outlined, potential benefits are discussed, and answers are provided for some frequently asked questions regarding XML. (AEF)

Changes in library services due to advancing information technology constitute a revolution comparable to invention of the printing press. Democratization of access to knowledge is a positive development, but it should not be confused with democratization of knowledge. This is where any system of information networking may be misleading; in…

Reviews and analyzes selected Web sites that use standard library classification schemes or controlled vocabularies to enhance access to Web information sources. Profiles common elements of many sites and the structural and navigational approaches incorporated with select sites. Includes an appendix of sites that use standard classification…

Lists institutions and individuals experienced in the five models of college learning community (linked courses, learning clusters, freshman interest groups, federated learning communities, coordinated studies), as well as networks supporting learning-community and other collaborative efforts, and major works on learning communities and…

Focuses on synthesis in research--the combination of thesis and antithesis in the dialectical process, producing a new and higher form of being. Discusses kinds of synthesis (unique communication, plan of operation, abstract relations); synthesizing information pieces; summary practice leading to synthesis; and questions of analysis and synthesis.…

Explains the use of FLIP it! worksheets that are frameworks for learning activities in school libraries and classrooms that promote innovative thinking. The format includes focus topics; links or likely sources of information; input, or information needed; and payoff, or product format and presentation. (LRW)

Discusses abuse of the Internet as an information source for classroom assignments and emphasizes the need for librarians to teach students and staff to evaluate information sources. Considers content, source, access, and structure, and lists Web sites that have evaluation guidelines as well as examples of bad sites. (LRW)

Discusses planning for the implementation of the Information Literacy Standards in schools. Provides a list of resources that focus on the history and development of the concept of information literacy. Discusses the importance of learning about local and state standards. Lists issues to work through when collaborating on a plan. (AEF)

Discusses how collection-development librarians can customize their workstations by building a Web page to cover public service and outreach efforts to constituencies, links to tools to enable selectors to use the Web and work more efficiently, and selection of Web resources. Describes Web sites in the three categories of communication with…