The purpose of this study is to analyze the perceptions of students and faculty members regarding educational use of communication technologies in two different countries with different cultures. Communications technologies examined in this article include various online interaction tools with strategic planning centers on SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. A comparison of external data for SWOT analysis is conducted for universities in different countries and cultures. Statistical data shows differences in the comparison of the Midwest University with other American universities and the Midwest University with the Bulgarian universities. The statistical findings suggest that collecting globally external data for SWOT analysis might benefit strategic planning and technological change in higher education. Universities in different countries and cultures can benefit to a much greater degree if they adopt such a study on a long-term basis as an administrative practice.
Individual ownership of handheld e-readers is increasing exponentially. Limited budgets, accessibility issues, and the failure of many e-readers to meet academic needs prevent academic libraries from adopting them at faster rates. Librarians spend a considerable amount of time gathering information about e-readers prior to making an investment. This article provides a history of e-reader availability and selection in the United States, information on the challenges that academic librarians face in e-reader selection, and research results of various studies on e-book/e-reader use by students. The article reflects on the e-reader evaluation and decision-making process and makes recommendations for investment and training.
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