Describes two phases of the automation of library and information services in mainland China. From 1974-86, much effort was concentrated on developing computer systems, databases, online retrieval, and networking. From 1986 to the present, practical progress became possible largely because of CD-ROM technology; and large scale networking for…

Describes methods being used to evaluate the impact of the Integrated Information Center (IIC) on users at the University of Minnesota. The model underlying the evaluation is explained, and three methods used to assess the IIC are discussed: survey questionnaires, interviews, and longitudinal evaluation. (Contains 14 references.) (LRW)

Describes a study that measured the effects of the information resources and services of a regional information resources center on the work of agricultural scientists in Nigeria. Highlights include user characteristics; rate of library use; scientists' information needs; trends in library demands; availability of journal articles; current…

Discusses the technology plan of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS). Highlights include articulating the role of the information specialist; defining the competencies of the information specialist as teacher, instructional partner, and program administrator; establishing an instructional-technology support team; and making the…

Describes the development of the Teaching With Innovative Style and Technology (TWIST) library technology center at the University of Iowa and discusses the need for individualized interaction to build trust and social cohesion between faculty and library staff as a necessary part of promoting the dissemination of technology in a university…

Discusses a pilot project at the College of DuPage Library (Illinois) that explored methods of providing services to students enrolled in online classes. Reports that there is a greater need for communication with the online student, and that the online student is not necessarily computer savvy. Suggests that computer training and technological…

Discusses the vital role policy plays in the effective delivery of information services over the Internet, as well as the need to keep policies at a minimum so as not to impede users' creativity and imaginative powers when online. Provides four examples from community college libraries. (NB)

Two articles consider different aspects of the issue of protecting intellectual property rights. The first discusses the effects of a recent court ruling on information centers in the for-profit sector, focusing on fair use under the Copyright Act of 1976; and the second examines moral and economic issues in electronic information dissemination.…

Discusses the need for a National Information Documentation Centre (NIDOC) in Nigeria. Topics addressed include functions of NIDOC, the location of NIDOC, including the role of the National Library; results of user studies; information storage and retrieval; library staff requirements and training; and access to national information sources. (17…

Describes the role of parent information centers in the school selection process, drawing on experiences with six Massachusetts information centers. In spite of insufficient funding and overwhelming work loads, these centers are providing valuable information to help parental school choice and to promote parent participation in school decision…

Discusses various communities that have contributed to the development of the Yale University Library Electronic Text Center (ETC) and describes the evolution of the ETC from a center for the support of electronic texts in the humanities to an electronic resource center providing support in the creation of World Wide Web resources. (LRW)

Demographic trends, mid-life career changes, increased competition in the labor market, and the idea of learning for its own sake are contributing to new adult learning patterns. Adult information centers and educational brokering services are important links in addressing equal opportunity and effective utilization of learning resources.…

Discussion of specialized biomedical information and its management and dissemination focuses on the development of information concerning AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Topics addressed include services to specialized user groups; selection, collection, and information evaluation in libraries; AIDS terminology; recent developments in…

Discusses various types of technology used in online searching based on a survey of special libraries and online search services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The use of modem control programs, gateway software packages, CD-ROM, and LANs (local area networks) is examined, and intermediary searching versus end-user searching is considered. (10…

Describes the development of an electronic text center in the Cornell University (New York) library. Discusses effects of spanning traditionally separate areas of the library, such as collection development, reference and instruction, information technology and support, and stack maintenance; staff skills needed; and the importance of…