May/June 1984 RAIN Page 27 ACCESS: Computers and Communication Computer-Based Conferencing Systems for Developing Countries, compiled and edited by David Balson et al., 1983,43 pp., inquire for price from: International Development Research Centre PO Box 8500 Ottawa KIG 3H9 Canada This is a report of a workshop held in Ottawa, Canada, October 26-30,1981. It explores the present development of computer-based conferencing systems (and like beasts) and their possible uses, potentials, and drawbacks for developing countries. Several groups' work is explained, including the Intergovernmental Bureau of Informatics, the International Telecommunication Union, and the International Federation of Information Processing. Specific computer-conferencing systems are also described, including the Electronic Information Exchange System (EIES), Infomedia Corporation, the Computerized Conferencing System (Stockholm), Sams Club (System of Automatic Message Switching for Communicating Lucidly with Brevity). Other proposed systems included are the Development Information Network and Global Links for International Action , (GLIA).—S] / New Technology Resource Center Museum of Science and Industry 57th & Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60637 312/684-1414 The purpose of the center is to provide information and facilitate cooperative activities that will improve the likelihood that nonprofit groups can make effective use of electronic information-processing equipment, with an emphasis on telecom munications, microcomputers, and video. —SJ Linkup: Communications and the Small Computer, monthly, $19.83/year from: Linkup 6531 Cambridge Street Minneapolis, MN 55426 It's about time. I'd been waiting for someone to come out with a somewhat glossy computer magazine devoted to small computers as communication devices. Look into Linkup if you want to keep track of information utilities, phone modems, communication software, communication protocols, phone modem taxes, connecting mainframes, computer networks, online human sexuality, electronic yellow pages, MCI, online financial services, PC-Talk III, or Double- talk and Doublecom—which happens to be software to deal with overload through Chat on The Source (a kind of CB-radio space on this popular information utility). Well, depending on how many of these words mean anything to you, you may be interested in this new periodical. —SJ Benton Foundation 1776 K Street, NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20006 202/857-1768 The Benton Foundation is a private grantmaking institution that supports work in the area of public understanding and use of traditional and emerging communications media. It supports projects that explore the short- and long-term effects of communications policy options and that facilitate the implementation of policies that promote the goals of access and diversity. It also supports projects designed to increase understanding of the role and effects of communications media in the political process. It seeks projects that strive to raise public awareness of the nature and uses of communications and information technologies and that ensure their benefits will be available to all. The Benton Foundation recently published Communicating in the 80's, New Options for the Nonprofit Community (available for $5), an introduction to the communications process and to alternative technologies, including satellites, videotex, microcomputers, personal video, and telephones. —SJ Telecommunications Cooperative Network 370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 715 New York, NY 10017 212/680-1321 This cooperative evaluates the communication requirements of nonprofit organizations, and by pooling collective purchasing power of member nonprofits, purchases communication services for the best available price, including data- processing telecommunications and regular phone service. —SJ The Guide to Computing around Portland, by Hank Bannister and Tim Crane, 1983,165 pp., $8.95 from: MicroConsulting Northwest PO Box 15075 Portland, OR 97214 This guide offers a comprehensive collection of computing resources available around Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. It is an invaluable tool for seeking local computer access and education. The book describes educational programs and classes offered by schools, school districts, colleges, universities, educational service districts, special projects, and research institutions. Each citation includes address, phone, contact person, program description, and equipment available. Most listings add comments and suggestions for further exploration. Additional sections list users' groups, retailers, consultants, and business and industry resources. The guide also incorporates a newsy appendix of computer classes, periodicals, and assorted local manufacturers and distributors. Attention to detail is evident throughout this guide. —Mimi Maduro
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