Electronic access to research journal collections is the obvious and available solution to this problem, but some print journals may have to be cancelled to offset the costs. Journal cancellation is a dangerous enterprise for library directors. The economics of collection selection from among various media needs greater attention and cost-benefit analysis in our libraries and learning centers. Overcoming technology lags on the campus cannot be accomplished by any department acting alone. Comprehensive programs of faculty and staff development are required and must include technology, information, and economics lessons as well as literacy instruction.
Collaboration is required.
Current reports indicate that retention rates are sagging and completion times for degrees expanding as more students work to meet their many obligations. All this is troubling since it is clear that the personal interaction with faculty and fellow students is one of the most important components of the collegiate experience. Technological solutions offer some redress for this problem. The heart of any community is shared experience. A growing number of Web-page servers is being implemented, moving beyond the Technology Services and Library departments into a number of academic departments, notably Education.