Since its creation in 1991, the National Institute for Literacy has provided national leadership on adult literacy. In 1998, with the addition of funds for dissemination of scientifically-based reading research, the Institute has been a catalyst for improving opportunities for adults, youth, and children to thrive in a progressively literate…

Discusses the use by librarians of BITNET and other national electronic mail networks for note and file transfer. Progress made in developing gateways and network interfaces is described. The problem of smaller libraries without access to large computer facilities and the issue of charging are considered as future concerns. (11 references) (MES)

As computers become an increasingly common appliance, groups and individuals whose interests extend beyond computers have found computer bulletin board systems (BBS) to be efficient communication devices. A BBS is a modem-equipped computer that can communicate with other modem-equipped computers over ordinary telephone lines. A modem translates…

While the Internet is the physical medium used to transport data, the World Wide Web is the collection of protocols and standards used to access the information. This article provides a basic explanation of what the Web is and describes common browser commands. Discusses graphic Web browsers; universal resource locators (URLs); file, message,…

This paper provides an introduction to the concepts of electronic mail and networks in non-technical language. It defines electronic mail, explains how it works, and describes academic networks that provide electronic mail services, especially BITNET and NSFNET. It explains how university administrators use electronic mail and networks for…

Describes an electronic mail system used by the Horseheads (New York) Central School Distict's eight schools and central office that saves time and enhances productivity. This software calls up information from the district's computer network and sends it to other users' special files--electronic "mailboxes" set aside for messages and…

Discusses telecommunications services used in Australian education. They include Minerva (electronic mail), Midas (database accessing), Viatel (interactive videotext), and Telememo (electronic mail used to exchange information between schools. (JN)

In July and August of 1999 Katharine Collie conducted an interview with Dan Mitchell and Lawrence Murphy on the topic of on-line counseling skills. The interview was done by e-mail so that Mitchell and Murphy could simultaneously demonstrate skills that they use in their e-mail counseling practice. This article contains a brief introduction that…

Describes the experiences of the AT&T Technical Library in installing a local area network (LAN) and bulletin board using the UNIX operating system. Reasons why a LAN was needed, how the system works, and hardware and software used are discussed. (1 reference) (MES)

The article describes the IBM/Special Needs Exchange which consists of: (1) electronic mail, conferencing, and a library of text and program files on the CompuServe Information Service; and (2) a dial-in database of special education software for IBM and compatible computers. (DB)

This description of an electronic bulletin board used by the Wisconsin Interlibrary Services network to process requests covers hardware, software, costs, advantages of the system, operation, training, maintenance, and problems encountered. (MES)

The functions of electronic mail and online catalogs are described, and the possible uses of the two in conjunction for library purposes are explored, including notes between librarians, broadcast news, patron notifications, selective information dissemination, and interlibrary loans. (Author/CLB)

Setting up a public library bulletin board system is described as a way to attract young adult users as well as to foster awareness and use of electronic information media. Step-by-step guidelines cover hardware needed, including modems, types of software available, designing the system's contents, and maintenance and security. (EM)

In spite of the increased use of the Internet for data collection, there is little published research about the process of data collection online. That is, discipline specific studies publish the results of their web-based surveys in discipline-specific journals, but little information is available on the process of Internet-based data collection.…

Discusses the conceptual roots of computer-mediated collaboration in real-time networks and the software environments that currently support these networks. Examines the informal and formal electronic-mail networks in the United Kingdom. Speculates on future developments for this emerging technology. (JJK)