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Information Technology and the Conduct of Research The User's View (1989) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Pages 1-6

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From page 1...
... Written from the viewpoint of the researcher using information technology and including many examples, the report offers a number of recommendations directed to two principal audiences: policymakers and leaders of institutions responsible for the support and management of research, and researchers themselves. The first programmable, electronic, digital computer was created nearly five decades ago.
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From page 2...
... Scientists increasingly use networks for conversation and for repeated exchanges of text and data files. Among the most important of the potential applications of information technology is the emergence of a truly national research network.
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From page 3...
... · Legal and ethical constraints: the need to safeguard and maintain confidentiality of data on human subjects is a major issue; also likely to become increasingly significant is the question of responsibility in computer-supported decision making in engineering, clinical practice, or research. · Gaps in training and education: learning to use information technology presently requires significant initial investments of time and effort, and researchers who make these investments often receive insufficient help.
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From page 4...
... · University departments, and scientific and professional groups, should estab lish career ladders for scientific programming positions. · Funding agencies should provide support for scientific programming and for help services in learning and using information technology systems for research.
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From page 5...
... with the mandate to oversee and advise on research use of information technology. The membership of this board should include a majority of users from a variety of research disciplines.
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  • network administrators
  • researchers themselves
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