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The article discusses issue related to library and information science (LIS) accountability and accreditation. Topics include American Library Association (ALA)-accredited library schools, the value of accreditation, such as the assurance of a mechanism for quality assessment and quality enhancement, and accountability in Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs.

The article comments on the role of the lack of consensus both in library school curricula and in libraries in the conflict between library and information studies (LIS) educators and practitioners in the U.S. It describes the absence of a core curriculum in LIS schools. The implications of the outsourcing of the core services of libraries are outlined. It discusses the uncertainty facing the careers of certified librarians.

Profiles Walt Mayo, the man who introduced optometry to the information age. Story behind his advocacy; Creation of OptNet Bulletin Board System which introduced optometrists to the concept of computer as a communication station; Pioneer publisher of the first multimedia publication in eyecare, `Optometric Computing' at optcom.com.

Presents Inoveon's online diabetic retinopathy evaluation service via inoveon.com which will be available to optometrists in 2001. Detection and tracking of the cause of preventable blindness; Three Inoveon test sites to be launched in three optometric offices; Process by which Inoveon technology will work. INSET: WJ Launches Consumer Colored Contact Lens Site..

Discusses the importance of research methods in library information science. Expectation that librarians understand research methods; Analysis of library information science curricula; Need for librarians to be active in producing journal articles and critiquing them; Opinion that issues about accreditation and certification need to be addressed.

Reports the court settlement between the American Optometric Association and optometrist on the contact lens antitrust case in the United States. Estimation of settlement amount; Terms of the settlement; Sale of disposable lenses through alternative channels.

Reports the expansion of Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments in the electronic commerce in the United States. Impact of Web site on the buying decision of Thomas Gibbons; Use of the Internet as a marketing tool; Launch of the company's Web stores for Internet shoppers.