This discussion of the role and effects of microcomputers in the information industry considers technological advances of recent times and how they may affect the future. Complexity of systems and systems control, problems of communication (machine-to-machine, machine-to-human), spread of microcomputers, and information networks and systems are…

This document is designed as a comprehensive resource and guide for computer-using educators who wish to expand the scope and magnitude of their computer power through telecommunications. The major focus is on the microcomputer's ability to communicate with other microcomputers via telephone lines. Emphasis is placed upon information services and…

Compares two major types of electronic mail systems--node-to-node networks (messages are sent directly from one terminal to another with functions handled locally at each node) and computer based message systems (terminals communicate directly with host computer using access to functions of large computer). Information sources are noted. (EJS)

The capabilities and potential of videotex, a two-way interactive communication and information retrieval service, are briefly described in this fact sheet. Videotex refers to a two-way linkage between databases and individual consumers in home or office. It is currently being used for information retrieval, transactions (e.g., bill paying,…

Electronic network systems, their components--terminal, microcomputer, or communications word processor; telephone, and modem (modulator-demodulator)--and their applications are explained for educators in this digest. Emphasis is on the characteristics and capabilities of: (1) electronic mail, which allows the transmission and reception of…

Offers suggestions for etiquette or rules of conduct when using electronic mail systems (EMS) based on experience utilizing EMS for intraorganizational communication in Carnegie-Mellon University Libraries. Transfer of information, democratization of workplace, antisocial abuse, access and learning, privacy, accounts, salutations and conclusions,…

Designed to assist educators in selecting a computer network, this paper contains a listing and description of seven networks that currently exist specifically for educators, and compares the quality of their services in the areas of accessibility, responsiveness, cost, text editing, humanization, guidance and documentation, control, forgiveness…

Reviews the Linked Systems project protocols in the Name Authority Distribution Application and describes the requirements they were designed to meet. A technical evaluation of the protocols in actual operation at OCLC is presented, and suggestions for improved performance are made. (Author/CLB)

This tutorial on packet radio (communication system using radio and digital packet-switching technology) highlights radio transmission of data, brief history, special considerations in applying packet radio to library online catalogs, technology, defining protocol at physical and network levels, security, geographic coverage, and components. (A…

The development of a computerized national database of 66 institutions' pharmacy curricula is described. Data available include address and curriculum contact person, comments, courses offered, year, hours and credits, and course titles. The database interfaces with Pharmline, and online searching became possible when Pharmline merged with…

Describes a computerized database for children's radio and television, which contains detailed information and evaluations of children's programs and public service announcements currently on the air or available on cassette. Information on access to the system, subscriber and search costs, and a contact for further information are provided. (CLB)

Identifies two types of applications software for microcomputers: (1) communications, file transfer, and search assistance software, which facilitates intelligent access to external databases; and (2) software to support local database creation and searching. Functions of each type of software are described and examples of commercial packages are…

Prepared with the new user in mind, this manual is designed to make the process of learning to use a computer bulletin board system (CBBS) easier, and to make continued use more effective. The manual provides a detailed review of the commands, procedures, and display screens needed for access to the School Board Bulletin Board System, an…

This paper traces the growth, decline, and termination of the State University of New York Biomedical Communication Network (SUNY/BCN). It is noted that SUNY/BCN became operational in 1968 with nine medical library members and provided the first online access to the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLARS) of the National Library…

Describes the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) system, how it is organized, how to gain access to ERIC, how one uses RIE (Resources in Education) and CIJE (Current Index to Journals in Education), computer searches of ERIC, who publishes in ERIC, and how to learn more about ERIC. A sample ERIC resume is included. (CT)