ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the computer as an information source and seeks to blaze new trails in investigating the role of computerized information retrieval systems for student journalists. It identifies some of the parameters for a framework in which to investigate the role of information technology in helping the media provide society with the news and information it needs and deserves. In order to ascertain the effects of the new information retrieval technology on the perceptions and attitudes of student journalists, a series of interviews were conducted with these students. Over a period of two weeks, students working in the Daily Reveille newsroom and using the computerized retrieval systems were interviewed. The interviews suggest some preliminary conclusions regarding the use of computer-based information retrieval and search systems for news reporting and editing in a university environment.
