Two functions necessary for managing a computer center (organizing and controlling) are discussed with a focus on a nomenclature that was found to be useful for identifying parts of a system and was compatible with the definitions of most operational systems. For example, it is necessary to identify files, reports, and programs used in daily…

Discussed is the reporting quandary at higher education institutions. These points are appraised: the clearinghouse function, data definitions, and the data base management function. The author warns against the suggestion that the institutional research office should assume the responsibility for all reports prepared by and departing from the…

Operations tasking for data center management is discussed. The original and revised organizational structures of the data center at the University of Miami are also described. The organizational strategy addresses the functions that should be performed by the data center, anticipates the specialized skills required, and addresses personnel…

Discusses the nature of scholarship as it has been known and the characteristics of the traditional relationship between scholars and their information sources. Also discusses three generations of library computing, organizational issues surrounding the advent of the "wired scholar," and implications for the future. (JN)

Describes three chemical information science courses offered by Indiana University (IU) Department of Chemistry. Also describes goals and operation of IU's Chemical Information Center, created to implement online searching of chemical databases and to assume operation of the IU dissemination of information services based on Chemical Abstracts…

The role of information research centers in institutional research activities was explored, based on 1,040 requests for student data at an information center at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, during 1980-1985. Three distinct information center markets were identified and mechanisms for serving each market were recommended. The first was…

During the spring semester of 1987, the University of Arizona implemented an experimental information desk as a means of improving the quality of service to patrons by relieving congestion at the reference desk. Services at this desk, which was staffed by reference personnel during the first phase of the project, included serving as the initial…

This document deals with the initial technological training of professionals in the information services at three levels: the main professional level, the higher professional or managerial level, and the paraprofessional level. In addition to a review of some general considerations, the paper provides more detailed discussions of technological and…

A study examined the impact of a communication training program on the productivity ratings and end-user satisfaction ratings of User Support Professionals (USPs). Subjects, 30 USPs whose training level qualified them to respond to problem solving calls received by a large centralized Help-desk facility located in the southwestern part of the…

Discusses proceedings of the 1996 ASIS (American Society for Information Science) annual meeting in Baltimore (Maryland), including chaos theory; electronic universities; distance education; intellectual property, including information privacy on the Internet; the need for leadership in libraries and information centers; information warfare and…

This paper describes the Loyola Center for Educational Improvement's (LCEI) effort to develop a clearinghouse on mastery learning (CML) which would serve as a depository for conceptual and research documents on mastery learning, competency-based education, instructional design, and other related topics. The nature of the clearinghouse is defined…

Describes two special collections focusing on postharvest systems of handling, transportation, storage, and marketing of food and feed grain. Highlights include information needs of developing countries (e.g., Egypt, Honduras, Pakistan), and information center activities (communication and marketing, collection building, interpreting client needs,…

The experience of Western Michigan University in the design and implementation of a combined information/decision support center is described. The center's design was in response to the outcomes of a long-range planning process, which helped identify unmet user needs. Three types of support were found to be required: education and consulting,…

This paper describes a series of courses in technical librarianship in Israel. Upon successful completion of these courses and the relevant examinations, students receive certification as non-academic librarians from the Israel Library Association's special educational committee. Two levels of courses are briefly described: Level A--the basic…

Viikki is one of the four campuses of the University of Helsinki. The Viikki Virtual Infocenter will be located on the Viikki Campus in Helsinki. It will be a modern learning environment that offers library and information services, study rooms and learning facilities, computer and network services, and administrative campus services to students…