Campus information systems for undergraduate students in Spain: a country-wide cluster classification

The availability of broad characterizations of campus information systems for students can be useful for the strategic information management of higher education centres. First we describe and contextualize a characterization model for on-line campus information systems for undergraduate students. This serves as a framework of conceptual reference for empirical work on Spanish universities. Information was gathered by means of structured visits to institutional websites and structured interviews with undergraduate students. Analyzing the information collected enables us to classify Spanish higher education institutions into three clusters with homogeneous characteristics, in the sense of their information system and organizational aspects. Finally, we discuss future research on this subject

Reseña 'Teach beyond your reach'. Neidorf, Robin (2006). Medford: Information Today.

Book review: This book is interesting from the practical point of view for those who are begining to teach distance learning, having previously some experience on traditional teaching. It may also be of interest to those experienced in this field, by comparing their experience with the considerations given by the author, generally well written and made ​​with success. Instead, unfortunately, the book do not offers theoretical reflections nor discusses current trends and prospects. Finally, one wonders from reading if we should use more intensely the experience on distance education that we already have, to contribute to a profound rethinking of classroom or hybrid teaching

Information management in organizations: 2013 perspectives and trends

In the coming years, personal and organizational information environments will undergo a thorough transformation, of which the following aspects must be emphasized: digital connection management by individuals or work teams, the types of market that exist in relation to big data and the use of these for knowledge creation, the interaction between an organization’s digital space and physical space, and the role of human beings and machines in all of these arenas. The response to these questions will depend to a great extent on what the organizations can discern from an environment riddled with technological innovations and information content, generated at high speed by multiple actors with very diverse interests

Report. The academic Information Schools network: Origins, evolution and future

The Information Schools (iSchools) are a prominent international academic network of information schools. Since its creation in 2005, about 80 universities have joined the network, through the respective faculties or departments thematically involved. The faculties or academic departments that are part of the iSchools study information, in close relationship with people and technology. We present a general overview of the iSchools that includes: the history of its origins and evolution, an updated review of its academic activity, and future trends. This overview is done through a critical review of a selection of existing literature on this academic movement. The review includes opinion and academic debate documents, scientific studies based on the collection and analysis of data from all the universities in the network or representative samples of them, and a look at the iConference, an annual world congress organized by this academic network

Information management in organizations in 2012: perspectives and trends

The increase in technological capabilities in information handling has raised a number of security and privacy issues with growing importance at the corporate level. On the other hand, aspects such as the implementation of the ISO 30300 series and innovative procurement projects pose new challenges and opportunities for document management and competitive intelligence, respectively. All this points to the issue of how to reformulate intermediation and the corresponding professional role in the organizational environment

When we think on information systems in a company or an administration, what we think?

In conceptualizing information systems always there have been a dilemma between two options: either use them as mere automation tool over the existing situation, or convert it in an enhancer element, i.e. a radical transformation facilitator. A historical example is examined and future trends in line to illustrate the possibilities of an enhancing choice are suggested

Moocs: current status, challenges and opportunities

Moocs (massive open online courses) are a powerful innovation within the global knowledge system. This report describes and presents their key features, challenges that must be overcome for their implementation and good outcomes, and opportunities posed to information and communication professionals and scholars. A selection of existing courses of potential interest to librarians and information specialists is offered

The financial system as an information system that definetely can be improved

Key features of the financial system as an information system which links markets’ stakeholders are highlighted and discussed. These features are related to the 2008 subprime crisis, and they are contextualized in sociotechnical changes at the end of the 20th century. Ways to improve the system and prevent future crisis are briefly explored, taking into account information behaviours, which differ from mainstream economics