Members of diverse information professions and disciplines have historically had different missions, methods, and areas of responsibility. However, the new technical knowledge common among them is fertile ground for collaboration through information technology. Successful collaborations are based on identification of a common goal, recognition of…

Collaboration between professions or disciplines or across distances is discussed. A definition of collaboration is offered, processes and factors making collaboration difficult are identified, and two features of networked communication (access equalization and social equalization) that are important to collaboration are examined. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the information technology (IT) staff shortage in higher education, and encourages collaboration between human-resource and information-technology professionals both on college campuses and at the professional-association level. Outlines some human resource development activities currently under consideration within two professional…

As higher education institutions plan for the future, common agreement to build open distributed computing environments (DCE) using common standards such as those of the Open Software Foundation can help exploit new application design approaches that promote application sharing, a more efficient way of meeting upcoming challenges. (MSE)

Interviews with 51 librarians and 40 computer-center administrators at smaller colleges found that they face similar challenges in providing services and seeking economies but are uneasy about formal structural changes that bring their operations closer together. Reasons for their concern and implications for college administration are discussed,…

Reasons for adopting Open Software Foundation (OSF) standards for distributed computing environments (DCE) within colleges and universities are examined. Adoption would promote interoperability across heterogeneous systems within and between institutions, aid in transition to client/server computing, and facilitate sharing and leveraging across…

It is argued that, with the emergence of new technologies, the traditional missions and "domains" of academic libraries and campus computing services need to be adjusted to support collaboration. Specific collaborative projects linked to strategic plans are recommended over forced mergers or overly ambitious multigoal projects. (MSE)

Newly developed electronic data interchange (EDI) standards for exchanging academic records between colleges and universities are explained. It is argued that implementation of the new standards in college registrar and admissions offices can improve speed, costs, and accuracy and provide a prototype for a variety of campus business applications.…

Informal discussions between librarians and information technologists at Indiana University-Bloomington concerning the commonalities of their careers in information evolved into an ambitious collaborative program of professional development. A series of workshops focused on specific current professional challenges. Content emphasized collaboration…

Describes a faculty initiative involving twelve Pennsylvania State University colleges, its library system, and two historically black colleges (Cheyney and Lincoln Universities) in the design of distance-education programs, and presents a set of principles and practices developed by the faculty that address issues in design and development of a…

Describes four successful cost-containment initiatives of the Midwestern Higher Education Commission, which was established to advance higher education in the Midwest through interstate cooperation. Projects include development of Academic Scheduling and Management Software; Internet-based activities; the Virtual Private Network, to reduce…

As economic realities drive colleges and universities to reassess financial strategies for managing information technology investments, many will have to develop a new game plan, requiring: collaboration among academic, financial, and technical leaders; rejuvenation of the collective conventional wisdom; shift to life-cycle budgeting; emphasis on…

Two higher education professionals discuss cultural issues that separate librarians and information technology professionals, and inhibit enlightened leadership as their changing roles cause professional convergence. Guiding principles for the information professional are outlined: developing oneself and a new generation of leadership; recognizing…