Two basic data processing concepts are described: data elements (consisting of bits, bytes, fields, records, and files) and binary characters (standards, hex value, and extended character sets--Greek letters, superscripts, and subscripts). Use of machine-readable data in the OCLC-MARC database is noted. (EJS)

This working paper provides suggestions and considerations for anyone contemplating the electronic collection of data on foreign scholars (as distinct from international students). It is noted that, because the Immigration and Naturalization Service requires employment verification and immigration information such as country of citizenship and…

This manual was produced to familiarize data users with the procedures followed in data collection and processing of the fifth follow-up survey of the National Longitudinal Survey of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS-72) and to provide documentation for use of the file. The data file is a computerized data base, which is available on magnetic…

This report discusses the development and characteristics of the Prospective Student Inquiry Data File and Information System, which is used by the California State University at Chico (CSUC) as part of an effort to increase its student applicant population. Following a brief review of organizational background information, the report is divided…

This review of new developments and products in online services discusses trends in travel related services; full text databases; statistical source databases; an emphasis on regional and international business news; and user friendly systems. (Author/CLB)

These three users' manuals are for specific files of the High School and Beyond Study, a national longitudinal study of high school sophomores and seniors in 1980. The three files are computerized databases that are available on magnetic tape. As one component of base year data collection, information identifying twins, triplets, and some non-twin…

Outlines evaluative criteria and compares optical data disk products used in library technical processes, including bibliographic records for cataloging, acquisition databases, and local public access catalogs. An extensive table provides information on specific products, including updates, interfaces, edit screens, installation help, manuals,…

Concentrates on the practical, everyday aspects of online search strategy, specifically offering ideas and comments on search strategies for STAIRS users. Included are tables listing the logical operators available on the system and the search level (document, paragraph, sentence, word) of each. (Author/JD)

Discusses methods for designing search strategies for maximum recall, including minimizing the number of concepts intersected, isolating key subtopics, adapting the strategy to the database, and minimizing problems with search words and codes. (Author/RAA)

Discusses issues which will have an impact on database searching for the next five years: (1) quality control; (2) more inhouse databases; (3) changes in database visuals; (4) pricing policies; and (5) market changes. A number of favorable and unfavorable changes unlikely to occur within five years are also noted. (MES)

The distributed data processing system at an Indiana school district can be expanded without causing degradation in response time. Microcomputers are used for daily data entries, and to initiate data inquiries to the mainframe and to communicate with each other. (MLF)

Designed to characterize journals as part of the selection process for journals to be included in an information retrieval database, two studies used bibliometric techniques to examine patterns of publishing and topic patterns and coverage, and a third developed a rule-based system to evaluate the qualities of a journal. (CLB)

Discusses reasons for selecting ERIC with the Dialog OnDisc software for training information professionals in online searching at the University of California, Berkeley, and analyzes some of the features of the CD-ROM software. Pros and cons of online and OnDisc access are summarized, and three references are listed. (Author/MES)

This annual review of the library automation marketplace presents profiles of 15 major library automation firms and looks at emerging trends. Seventeen charts and tables provide data on market shares, number and size of installations, hardware availability, operating systems, and interfaces. A directory of 49 automation sources is included. (MES)

The proper combination of computer hardware and software with database subscription services make online information retrieval available to enhance decision making in virtually all aspects of school administration. (MLF)