Networking a computer-aided guidance system within higher education institutions: practice and potential

A number of higher education institutions have networked PROSPECT (HE) to m ake it available throughout the institution. The impact of such networking was evaluated, based on visits to six of these institutions and on logged s tatistical data. The rationale for networking, and implementation strategie s adopted, are discussed. The quantitative data provided less evidence of t he reduced quality of usage than had been anticipated. Qualitative data sug gested that networking provided easier access in terms of both location and time: this removed the need to ration usage of the system, thus making it easier to consider opportunities for structured usage, and to justify acces s to nan-core groups. There was no evidence of any reduction in the use of the careers services. Examples are presented of PROSPECT (HE) being linked with a variety of other careers activities. Overall, the evidence suggests that the benefits of networking outweigh the risks.