Print Editorial: Introduction to Issue 15

Much of what is said in this issue of ARIADNE relates to the fundamental aim of the publication, which is to interpret new technology and to strengthen the connections between the technology and the people who manage and use it. Jon Duke, the new chairman of UCISA said at their recent conference in Jersey, “technology is no longer the issue.” John MacColl in his report of this event commented on Diana Warwick’s view that “the key issue is not technology management but people management.” Elsewhere in this issue there is evidence that the on-going eLib project has taken another step forward. Anne Mumford sets out JISC ASSIST’s priorities within this dimension, and comments on JISC’s achievement in creating a situation where the groups involved in moving forward the electronic library idea have learnt to understand each other and to co-operate. Derek Law also refers to the human dimensions of the issue, and the Down Your Way feature is an example of the marriage of new technology and old skills within the strongest of human dimensions and on a human scale. Gordon Brewer’s Minotaur, as well as taking a realistic look at organisational issues from the standpoint of a manager who has nailed his colours to the mast of voluntarism, is partly an echo of the appeal for people to continue to develop the skills of working together and sharing.

On other pages, there are more examples of good practice in the development and use of both eLib and non-eLib programmes. Una O’Sullivan reports on ROUTES, which is the Open University project on the selection and exploitation of electronic resources. The cover feature by Liz Lyon offers the vitality of a combination of multi media and technological analysis applied to teaching and learning in the arts. This would fit well with Ann Mumford’s point about the different responses of different disciplines to the application of technology. In the main article, Terry Hanson describes his use of the access catalogue as an aid to the integrated exploitation of all forms of electronic information.

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