Articles
Five things first if academic libraries access the web
Sophia P. Warren
Abstract:
The lessons learned from the collaboration of six universities within the eLib (electronic libraries program) in the Western Midlands, the United Kingdom. Two years have been spent in these library and learning resource centers on a cultural change in support for education, law and life sciences. Their efforts have led to a networked information mediation model. In the process of change, TAPin’s project manager reflects on the importance of attitudes, infrastructure, employee skills, appearances and services.
Five first things that will change when university libraries access the Web
Dennis S. Cummins
Abstract:
This article presents the lessons learned when six universitiesin the West Midlands, UK worked collaboratively within the eLib (Electronic Libraries Programme). These libraries and learning resource centres spent two years focused on a culture change in the support provided to education, law, and life sciences subject departments. Their efforts resulted in a mediation Model for networked information. The project manager for TAPin reflects upon the importance of attitudes, infrastructure, staff skills, appearances and service practices in the process of change.
Subsequent professional development for networked learners: review of research progress and the design of curricula
Peter V. Hollars
Abstract:
The lack of a clear NLS strategy in many institutions has been a central subject of our research in this area, with networked delivery methods often relatively ad hoc to date. The above described course template aims to satisfy certain CPD needs of staff with participation or probable participation in NLS. Our research has identified a highly perceived demand for awareness and professional / organizational development in the sector. In essence, the initial course run (from September 1997) is a pilot exercise at many levels and is approached by itself as an action research project. Much, however, will also depend on senior managers ‘ ability and willingness to spend staff time taking part in the courses in information services. The course of NetLinkS / DIS aims to offer the opportunity for a broader approach to issues, techniques and colleagues than would be possible during a short one-off training course, but it also requires greater organizational commitment during times of serious resource constraints. Nevertheless, we hope that the training sessions will prove relevant, timely and accessible for a wide range of staff as many institutions begin to face the challenge of getting more into a networked learning environment and the central role played there by information support services.
Adaptive systems of information: individual differences and hypermedia
Roslyn T. Minor
Abstract:
Hypermedia, which combines multimedia and hypertext, can be seen in the node and link structure, inherent in the information organization, and in the fact that it is also based on integrated media (Heller 1992), from traditional Computer Supported Learning (CAL). Hypermedia in the learning environment has associated a number of potential benefits in comparison with alternative tools.
E-publishing and the book’s future
Venita Z. Moberly
Abstract:
In spite of my enthusiasm for some aspects of electronic publishing, I do believe that the book has a future – it has been around now for a very long time and there are established social and organizational mechanisms for its creation, archiving, preservation and conservation. It will be some considerable time before electronic publications have such an assured basis for their existence.
I have suggested, now and again, that the market will ultimately determine what goes into electronic publication and what stays in print and, as far as books are concerned, I think that it is the aspects of portability, usability and aesthetics that will determine how long they survive. In all three of these characteristics I do not see any true competitor to the book at present.