Education, Libraries, and the New Technologies. Report of an Overseas Study Tour of England, The United States of America, and Canada, October-December 1980.

This report of an Australian overseas study tour to the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and Canada reviews developments and practices as of December 1980 in educational communications and technology, the management and utilization of learning resource centers (LRC's) and independent study programs in postsecondary education, and library automation and network development. A list of the agencies and institutions visited in each country is provided. Based on study tour experiences, it is concluded that despite economic difficulties the influence of computer and communications technologies is more immediately apparent in the UK and North America than is yet the case in Australia. Recommendations are made for Australian action in the areas of screened data or videotex systems, computer-based education, interactive video learning systems on videotape and videodisc, distance education, the use of radio and television for educational broadcasting, education technology units, the establishment of LRC's at selected community colleges, the introduction of automated technologies in libraries, the planning and design of library buildings, joint-use library services, further overseas study tours, and staff exchanges between corresponding agencies and institutions in Australia and the other three countries. (ESR)