Describes the components and capabilities of expert systems, discusses the use of such systems in library information applications, and outlines research being done in this area. A project aimed at the development of an expert system for referral services is described in detail, and implications for future research are discussed. (CLB)

Urges a "re-inventing" of corporate communications in today's organizations, and provides information about how corporations can change in new and positive ways during the current "information age." Discusses specific public relations and organizational communication concepts essential for a comprehensive understanding of…

As recently as the 1999-2000 academic year, the most sought after graduates were those completing degree requirements in a wide variety of information systems based programs. Many graduates were enticed by lucrative signing bonuses as organizations prepared for the dreaded uncertainty of Y2K. Information systems and computer science programs and…

This document is the annual report prepared by the Interagency Working Group on Information Technology Research and Development of the National Science and Technology Council. This report is a Supplement to the President's fiscal year (FY) 2002 Budget that describes the Federal Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD)…

This document provides testimony on the U.S. Department of Education's efforts to ensure that its computer systems supporting critical student financial aid activities will be able to process information reliably through the turn of the century. After providing some background information, the statement recaps prior findings and the actions that…

A student information system, repository of most essential customer information and registration data, is especially vulnerable to data corruption because of its many different users. A hypothetical case illustrates how service to a college applicant can be compromised by inattention in system use. Specific areas of system vulnerability are noted,…

Introduces a personalization approach in a traditional information retrieval system. Describes extensions of integrating collaboration in personalization in the Web retrieval environment, based on differences in the nature of documents, users and search tasks between traditional and Web retrieval environments. Presents a user-oriented evaluation…

A survey examined the degree to which community information systems provide consumer health information in the United Kingdom. Discusses the extent and nature of this information versus government requirements; operational details; non-healthcare information; management and decision making; procedures for updating information; health information…

The eight chapters of this theme issue deal with the design, implementation, and evaluation of computer-assisted information systems for educational organizations. Points of commonality and difference across seven countries are explored with regard to the processes and uses of computing in school administration and management. (SLD)

A management information system developed in Santa Clara County monitors K-12 students through their school years. The data reflect up-to-date demographics and changes in students' behaviors and characteristics. School districts are able to identify areas of program strengths and weaknesses so that changes can be made. (MLF)

Proposes that the concept of "utility" be applied in catalog construction and authority control. An iterative authority control process allowing for movement of proper name headings from uncontrolled to controlled states, based on user feedback in conjunction with comprehensiveness, will provide a new approach for information retrieval.…

Colleges and universities that have begun transformational changes are seeing strong, positive results, including better service to students, faster completion of transactions, more accurate and timely information, and reduction in administrative personnel. Three elements are common to the approaches taken to institutional transformation:…

Future organizations must integrate their human-resource development requirements with organizational development requirements to survive and prosper. A totally integrated systems model will feature 10 crucial elements. Leaders must understand that their organizations pass through developmental stages (from infancy to maturity); at each stage,…

Four developments have made strategic planning and information-based management necessary in higher education: changing external conditions; demands for accountability; deteriorating financial strength; and need for changes in leadership roles. Although institutional situations and needs vary, what is most important is to learn to manage with…

Libraries should be active participants in knowledge production, and should develop classificatory structures that support the needs of a diverse information ecology consisting of a complex web of interacting agents, users, and technologies. Within such an information ecology, a classificatory structure cannot follow a one-size-fits-all paradigm,…