This summer the University Libraries hosted their second luncheon as part of the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Discover UH Lecture Series. Carolyn Meanley, business and government documents librarian, presented a lecture titled Business Information and Business Decisions in Today's Information Economy to the attending Houston business leaders and community members.

Ms. Meanley addressed the problem of the uncontrolled and unorganized abundance of data, one of the largest issues confronting businesses today. The presentation focused on the recent impact of technology upon the access and use of information within the business arena. Using a computer-generated slide show, she demonstrated how to target and extract information trapped in a tsunami of available data.

Ms. Meanley began by reviewing the Information Revolution and its unique effects upon industry. This movement differs from other large economical changes because it does not suffer from a limit of resources. In fact, it created a new industry of itself. The revolution's most dynamic means of delivery, the computer, has taken root throughout the world and continues to grow exponentially. Almost anyone with an idea can disseminate his vision globally.

However, technology has not disentangled the collective imagination. Ms. Meanley reminded her audience that unmangeable data does not inform. The challenge to inform in a new age lay behind the creation of the University Libraries' Electronic Publications Center in 1988.

The EPC, located in the M.D. Anderson Library, features 120 networked computers providing access to nearly 100 databases and the resources of the Internet. Ms. Meanley showed the interface of several different business-related databases and Web sites, including ABI/Inform, Business Dateline, and Compact Disclosure. These electronic resources in the library, together with printed resources and a drive for knowledge, help create a most valuable asset, understanding.

Elizabeth D. Rockwell created the Discover UH Lecture Series in 1994 to showcase the outstanding programs and individuals at the University of Houston. She was inspired by a campus tour when she discovered projects and programs that were not widely known throughout Houston. Ms. Rockwell then worked with the administration and development offices to establish the lecture series.

Ms. Rockwell is a fourth generation Houstonian and an expert in estate, retirement, investment, and tax planning. She pioneered and developed the first Keogh and IRA retirement plans in Houston for the savings industry when she was vice president of marketing for the Heights Savings Association of Houston. She is currently a vice president at CIBC Corp. in Houston. Ms. Rockwell has served as a Trustee of the UH System's Foundation, a member of the UHS Planned Giving Council, a member of the College of Business Administration Dean's Advisory Board, and as President of the UH College of Business Administration Foundation Board. The university honored Elizabeth Rockwell with the 1992 CBA Alumni Award and the 1996 University of Houston Alumni Association Distinguished Alumna Award. She is a great supporter and asset to the University of Houston community.

See this and other Discover UH Lectures on the Houston Access cable channel. The libaries will host their next lecture on May 19, 1999. Margaret Culbertson will present Historic Texas Homes Built by the Book.

Stuart Block