Discusses the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen in the form of ammonia as one of the foundations of modern chemical industry. The article describes ammonia production and synthesis, purifying the hydrogen-nitrogen mix, nitric acid production, and its commericial plant. (HM)

Steel doors in schools provide security and fire safety. Information on factors to consider in selecting doors is provided. (Author/MLF)

The purpose of this paper is to (1) provide a further test of the product-profit cycle hypothesis for high-tech manufacturing; (2) determine whether high and low tech manufacturers provide different employment opportunities for nonmetropolitan communities; and (3) determine whether the educational requirements within occupational categories differ…

This article argues that the labor-displacement effect of microelectronic machinery, especially numerically controlled machine tools and robots, has been exaggerated and that people tend to confuse the impact of intensified international competition with that of the new technology. (Author/CT)

Addresses the issue of possible savings of time and money for authors and publishers resulting from author word processing and automation of scholarly book publishing industry. Automation and taxes, newspaper publishing, editing, routine expenses in the copy editing of word-processed works, and the effect on costs for libraries are covered. (EJS)

Japan became a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 20 years ago. The two decades of Japan's partnership with this organization are reviewed. Economic, technological, industrial, and social aspects are considered. (JN)

Discusses new information forms that promise to force changes in the information transfer process which is based on the organization, storage, and distribution of edition printed products. Roles of authors, publishers, jobbers, librarians, and users in the information transfer process are highlighted. (EJS)

Synthesis and polymerization of vinyl monomers that double as stabilizers against degradation of plastics by ultraviolet light has been accomplished. Potential applications include protection of photovoltaic cells in solar power plants. (Author/RE)

Technological change in the communications industry is examined. Focus is on the following jobs: information operator, equipment installer/repairer, line or cable splicer, and central office technician. (CT)

Beta testing--the process of trying a product in a real-world setting before releasing it commercially--exploits a natural interface between universities and high-technology industries. High-tech companies need confidential, real-world tests of new products, and universities are eager to get an early look at tomorrow's technology. (MLW)

Discusses the feasibility of introducing electronic publishing into traditional Japanese markets within the context of recent progress in other technologies and mass communications in that country. It is suggested that the content and quality of publications, rather than the media by which they are presented, will determine the acceptance of…

States that the standard book format is being challenged by the more flexible hypermedia. Argues that traditional issues of standardization solved by the book are being reopened by hypermedia, and that language itself is being reexamined. Concludes that all institutions will need to be prepared for a "hyperactive data world." (PA)

Electronic publishing is the grandest revolution in the capture and dissemination of academic and professional knowledge since Caxton developed the printing press. This article examines electronic publishing, describes different electronic publishing scenarios (authors' cooperative, consolidator/retailer/agent oligopsony, publisher oligopoly), and…

Digital technologies, combined with library expertise in information management and bibliographic control, access, dissemination and preservation, have provided new opportunities for academic libraries to play a more active role in the publication of scholarly information. Over the past decade a number of Australian academic libraries, drawing on…