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Notes that research on the use of networked information resources, like any kind of social science involving the study of human subjects, raises ethical questions. The tension between traditional research guidelines and new technologies is discussed; public/private distinctions and informed consent are addressed; and possible solutions are offered. (11 references) (KRN)

Surveys the politics and economics of networking and presents four general leadership strategies for making progress in the climate of change surrounding the developing National Information Infrastructure: (1) building the organizational information infrastructure; (2) emphasizing exploration and discovery; (3) cultivating relationships and partnerships with people and organizations; and (4) reinventing the organization. (11 references) (KRN)

Argues that training is a critical success factor for Internet implementation in organizations, both in teaching Internet skills and in enabling trainees to participate in planning how the Internet could transform the organization. Conceptual areas relevant to the development of training and the associated theoretical perspectives are suggested. (26 references) (KRN)

The federal Escrowed Encryption Standard (EES) has been opposed by civil liberties advocates and the computer industry. The author argues that the standard does not threaten privacy as long as its use remains voluntary, alternative forms of encryption are allowed, and the power of government to intercept transmission is kept in check. (20 references) (KRN)

Compares issues in the commercialization of public information through wide area networks in the United States and Europe. Policy and legal questions, the public's right to access information, government copyright issues, the potential for public-private-sector synergy, and the need to standardize formats and pricing are discussed. (Contains 45 references.) (KRN)

Argues that much work needs to be done to assess the impacts of global networking on academic institutional performance. How the academic networked environment can be defined, possible assessment criteria, the need for a user perspective, and specific research needs are discussed. (Contains 11 references.) (KRN)

This overview of adaptive technology for computers and networking identifies issues that must be addressed for people with disabilities to participate fully in online activities. Discussion includes adaptive equipment; Internet access; and graphical user interface (GUI) concerns. Contact information for vendors for adaptive technology and organizations and services who provide information are listed. (KRN)

Presents a vision and a national strategy for civic networking based on the development of the National Information Infrastructure. Topics addressed include a public interest communications policy; benefits of civic networking, including improving services and reducing government costs, reducing poverty and health care costs, and improving education; and a policy agenda. (Contains 14 references.) (LRW)

Describes how the Commerce Department's Economic Bulletin Board has been linked to the Internet to further the dissemination of government information. Topics discussed include network services; operational constraints; technical issues; costs; identifying potential customers and their information needs; and future plans. (Contains six references.) (LRW)

Analyzes the communication norms of the major forms of computer-mediated communication, including electronic mail, mailing lists, Usenet and other bulletin board systems, interactive messaging, multiuser domains (MUDs), and mass-broadcast media. New uses and the development of standards, or norms, are discussed. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

Describes a cost-effective model for public elementary and secondary school educational networking that is based on linking local computer bulletin boards at the school level with the Internet. Highlights include various communications protocols; graphics; teacher training and administrative support; library resources; public readiness; and cost estimates. (LRW)

Describes the proposed Blacksburg Electronic Village project, a prototype community telecommunications network which delivers network services to an entire Virginia town. Possible educational, business and professional, civic, and quality of life uses are suggested. The importance of concentrating on applications and user services instead of technologies is stressed. (EAM)

Describes the OCLC Internet Resource project which investigated the nature of electronic textual information available through remote access using the Internet and the practical and theoretical problems associated with creating machine-readable cataloging (MARC) records using USMARC format for computer files and the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules. (23 references) (LRW)

Describes the Grace project's Group Communication Service which was developed to function in an Open Systems Interconnection global networking environment to aid in computer-supported cooperative work. A conceptual model of group communications is presented, system architecture and system navigation are explained, and two prototype activities are examined. (12 references) (LRW)

Discusses policy decisions that led to the privatization and commercialization of NSFnet; explains the roles of IBM, MCI Communications, and ANS (Advanced Network and Service); and suggests the role that the federal government should take to ensure that the NREN (National Research and Education Network) addresses issues of public access and affordability. (five references) (LRW)

Describes the results of the mistaken identity of an Internet electronic discussion group for President Clinton's electronic mail office. Members' actions and reactions are discussed; guidelines for using electronic discussion groups are suggested; and the popularity of electronic communication is considered. (LRW)

Describes a vision of the NREN (National Research and Education Network) as a set of public interest user organizations existing within the framework of the larger National Information Infrastructure to provide public information services that are the responsibility of government. The role of the private commercial sector is also discussed. (Contains seven references.) (LRW)

Describes a prototype information access system developed by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) called NAM (NASA Access Mechanism) to access the Internet for research and development activities. Topics addressed include the Science and Technical Information Program, information needs, networking requirements, functional and technical design of the NAM, and future plans. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)