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The proliferation of networks is a significant factor in the development and growth of computer conferencing. The authors examine this form of communication and the behavioural and psychological factors which determine its success or otherwise as an effective means of information transfer. In particular, an examination of a computer conferencing experiment using a local area network in the Department of Information Science. University of Strathclyde demonstrated that, despite problems—ergonomic and technical—computer conferencing and electronic journal production have considerable potential and appeal.

Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of desktop conferencing: telephone conferencing, audio conferencing, computer conferencing, desktop computer conferencing, and video conferencing.

This paper sets out to examine the potential and limitations of computer mediated communication (CMC) in an educational context, and to relate this to an early pilot project run in the 1996/97 academic year at Bournemouth University on two courses to serve the needs of students out on their work placement year. The purpose and use of CMC in this context is evaluated and the findings present an opportunity to discuss the benefits and limitations of the use of this technology in this context with a view to suggesting how the use of CMC could be extended in the future.

The growth in the use of networked technologies provides educators with mechanisms to add value to learning experiences where learners and educators are geographically distributed. Increasingly, placements are used within the more vocational disciplines to provide students with a reflective learning experience within the context of the work environment. Such remote learning can be supported through the use of networked technology, enabling a high degree of interactivity and helping learners to enhance their learning styles. A case study is presented that considers the design and implementation of such networked support, focusing on the learner’s evaluation of this experience. The results from this study identify that networked technologies, such as audio conferencing and Web‐based support, have a beneficial role in the learning experience, and that considerable advantages can be derived from their use for placement‐based learners.

This chapter offers descriptions of many current uses of video conferencing technology for the delivery of assistive technology (AT) services at a distance. It begins with definitions of remote AT services, virtual teams and virtual teamwork and moves to a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of remote AT supports for individuals, teams and organisations. A review of research regarding the outcomes of remote services helps to clarify ways that assistive technology providers can enhance function and build agency capacity by working, at least in part, in a virtual support environment. The chapter provides a discussion of various aspects of virtual teamwork that affects how individuals work together remotely as well as potential barriers to the provision of remote AT services. Multiple examples are provided throughout as well as descriptions of specific features of video conference technology options that should be considered before adoption. A planning form for the integration of remote assistive technology supports into the array of AT support services is included.

New Audioport Lets Presentations Travel with Sound. PC users can add crystal‐clear digital audio to computer‐based presentations with an external audio adapter. AudioPort, the latest addition to the family of desktop multi‐media products from Video Associates Labs, Inc., is an external digital audio adapter that connects to the parallel (printer) port of DOS or Windows™‐based desktop, laptop, and notebook PCs.

The 1988 Copyright and Patents Act which came into force in April 1989 made fundamental changes to the Criminal Copyright law of which all records and information managers should be aware. As I write I am making the assumption that all photocopiers scattered across organisations already sport loud stickers warning against the infringement of copyright in respect of reproducing published material for any other purpose than personal study. In what respects then has the law on copyright been tightened? Why are the new regulations of such importance to the Records and Information Manager?

PLAIL as a project arises out of the rapidly growing demand for access to and support for adults seeking new learning and training opportunities. This area of demand is one of growing importance in the face of rapid changes in European society. The article summarises some of the main factors creating this surge in customer need and outlines principal elements for an appropriate public library response — a response which can only be achieved through the exploitation of the new technologies both for training staff and for the actual delivery of service. The current under‐utilisation of technology in respect of adult learners is examined and the way forward is explored for example through the development of technologically based staff training, the adoption of cost‐effective technology and the adoption of internationally recognised specification standards. Finally, a detailed, phased programme of training delivery is outlined.

After 25 years of studying IBM, General Electric, Polaroid and Xerox, Professor Brian Quinn of the Amos Tuck Business School in Chicago, found that not one major product had come from the formal planning process. Instead, many successful innovations had come from the “wrong” places — from people with an obsession about something, from people who stumble on to something by accident, or from people who found a new use for an existing product.

Our multiparadigm software toolset (consisting of BATEV, DEBATER and CyberDELPHI software tools) enables a holistic forecasting exercise, combining some good aspects of various foresight paradigms, based on both panel activities (scenarios, recommendations, policy proposals, etc.) and a large scale e‐collaboration among wide expert base. The e‐collaboration encompasses “via‐net” Delphi survey and software mediation and facilitation, based upon intelligent group decision support paradigm. The combination of multiple paradigms supplies a firm foundation for addressing complex technology foresight problems more objectively. Following a brain‐storming process (assisted by BATEV technology repository, and DEBATER intelligent decision support system for technology assessment) in which potential future opportunities for scientific and technological advances are identified, panels engage in an extensive and collaborative consultation process, using the CyberDELPHI e‐collaboration software. The CyberDELPHI implementation is very useful in reducing the time required to evaluate the experts’ responses and also helps to encourage experts to give as much detail as possible. It has been used succesfully in the preliminary phase of a Regional Programme on Technology Foresight for Latin America, launchad by UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) and ICS (International Centre for Science and High Technology).