Discussion of the use of desktop publishing software to produce instructional materials highlights a study that used a wrap-around text format with variations in the amount of white space surrounding the graphic to investigate the effect of white space variations on the reading speed and comprehension of undergraduate students. (28 references)…

Describes the decision-making processes involved in the development of the ACCESS PENNSYLVANIA database, a statewide union catalog of school, public, academic, and special libraries' holdings on compact laserdisc. Highlights include the planning process; the role of retrospective conversion vendors; the nominal group technique; the role of task…

This bibliography for school library media specialists lists periodical articles published in 1991 on information service (censorship, CD-ROM and online searching, networking, resource sharing, reading guidance, and reference service); instructional consulting; management; National Education Goals; teaching (computer applications, information…

Reviews evidence on the state of health of the nation's children and youth, identifying common health problems. Findings indicate the need for policies placing priority on the delivery of primary care services and status measures that reflect the interrelationships among health problems and the impairments associated with them. (SLD)

Discussion of the cost effectiveness of searching online versus searching on CD-ROM highlights an example that compares costs for searching the ERIC database. Fixed costs and variable costs are described, labor costs are examined, implications for management are considered, and the effect of the number of databases and workstations is discussed.…

Criticizes reviews of library CD-ROM products as being uncritical of the user interface and advocates a more rigorous evaluation, not only to aid potential buyers, but as a way to influence manufacturers. Congressional Information Services' Masterfile 2 is evaluated in the context of Heckel's "Principles of Friendly Software Design." (24…

Discussion of current applications of and future possibilities for electronic text, or e-text, focuses on activities in the area of higher education. Topics covered are input technology, including optical scanners and keyboarding; standardization; copyright issues; access to e-text through networks; user interface; hypertext; software; shareware;…

Reports results of a survey of British children ages 7 to 15 that examined time spent watching television, listening to music, reading, and playing outdoors; attitudes and stereotypes regarding these activities; and frequency and opinions of doing homework with the television on. Correlations of various behaviors and perceptions are presented.…

Describes a study that compared individual computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with paired/cooperative CAI as a method of providing inservice training for cooperative extension agents on the topic of proper water well location and construction. Cognitive achievement and time spent on the lesson are investigated. (18 references) (LRW)

Describes a study of Texas public elementary schools that was conducted to determine whether there were significant differences between professional and paraprofessional media specialists in personality traits, interaction patterns with school staff, and status as an indicator of their perceived expertise in instructional matters among classroom…

Discusses educational computing in Korea to be used for improving the teaching-learning process, improving science education, and preparing for an information society. Highlights include government, higher education, and private company support; basic objectives and long-term planning for educational computing; software applications; and future…

Describes a survey of Illinois school library collections in three areas of science. The survey goals were to quantify the need for increased funding; offer a collection assessment tool; determine whether schools had resources needed to support state science education goals. (five references.) (KRN)

Describes experiments in Arabic information retrieval using 29 queries against a base of 355 bibliographic records. Using roots and stems as index terms worked better than words, and the root performed as well as or better than the stem at low recall levels and definitely better at high recall levels. (Contains 30 references.) (KRN)

Examines questions of censorship based on a study of the novel "American Psycho" and a survey of Canadian public libraries that investigated selection policies and the circulation of controversial titles. Highlights include previous research, Canadian laws regarding freedom of information, role of the chief librarian, and the role of…

Reports the results of a survey of librarian job satisfaction that covered librarians' perceptions of their jobs, compensation and benefits, advancement opportunities, and technological challenges. Statistics on average salaries, benefits, salaries by gender, advancement opportunities, and staff cuts are presented by library type. Gender…