Introduction: The rapid growth of the Internet has modified the boundaries of information acquisition (tracking) in environmental scanning. Despite the numerous advantages of this new medium, information overload is an enormous problem for Internet scanners. In order to help them, intelligent agents (i.e., autonomous, automated software agents…

Discussion of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) focuses on its applicability to computer records. Agency practices to ensure access to information are considered; requests, litigation, and administrative appeals that have helped clarify the FOIA are described; and computer software, electronic mail, computer programing, and requested formats…

Discusses the increasing interest in CD-ROM as a publishing medium and learning tool, explores its potential and practicality in computer-assisted language learning (CALL), and suggests that CALL software developers should create avenues for cooperation, establish a clearinghouse for information and ideas about CD-ROM, and encourage…

Part of the Communications Design Center's (CDC) on-going research on communication and document design, this report emphasizes the importance of a multi-level computer help system that goes beyond simple command descriptions to include assistance with goals and strategies within the application domain--in this case, automated authoring. The help…

Discusses the need of developing countries to set up local databases and exchange information; outlines Unesco General Information Programme's role in this context; describes a specific Unesco program to help member states acquire and use microcomputer software; reviews criteria for software selection; and describes the program's implementation…

From a European perspective, this paper focuses on a set of issues affecting the emerging information economy. Among the issues covered are: developing a means of measuring the value of information and knowledge; studying other institutions such as the United States Department of Defense and the United States venture capital industry which are…

Discusses how to determine specific software that will provide solutions for today's requirements and probable desires of tomorrow. Steps in the process of software selection are justification for new technology; analysis of needs--today's and tomorrow's; helpful analyses tools, evaluating the options; selection and negotiation; and ongoing…

Librarians should adopt a teaching role to instruct users in microcomputer literacy, as microcomputer laboratories and software collections are increasingly a part of academic libraries. University of Wisconsin-Parkside has provided microcomputer orientation workshops and faculty seminars in their microcomputer lab for students, faculty, and…

Although there has been an explosion of information and advice about child rearing in the mass media, little attention has been given to the nature or extent of the media's impact on parents or to ways in which media could be used more effectively. Based on an analysis of books, magazines, newspapers, radio, television, film, videotapes, software,…

Describes a collaborative, reuse hypertext system, called MUCH (Many Using and Creating Hypertext). The novel browsing and retrieval characteristics of the system are based on a semantic net connecting documents, thesauri, and discussions. Word patterns are documented for reuse, creating and reorganizing network traversal according to user…

Defines and delineates hypermedia by examining its relation to the user as a system, an interface, and an environment. Classes of computer systems are described; classes of hypermedia systems are explained; user work components are discussed, including tasks, information, and the environment; and emerging standards and future developments are…

This report presents a model combining the emerging technologies of hypertext and expert systems. Hypertext is relatively unexplored but promises an innovative approach to information retrieval. In contrast, expert systems have been used experimentally in many different application areas ranging from medical diagnosis to oil exploration. The…

Discusses the design of interfaces for online systems and suggests requirements that must be met to offer maximum aid to inexperienced users. Highlights include the online search process, user data, query processing, database descriptors, semantic links, multilingual processing, search strategies, and distributed systems. A 20-page bibliography…

Argues that current approaches to computer graphing practices are ill suited to meet the complex needs of real users. Offers an overview of work in two major areas of graphing theory and research: the sociology of science and the educational research of mathematics and scientific students. Suggests what technical communicators can do to improve…

Discusses client-server architecture in dumb terminals, personal computers, local area networks, and graphical user interfaces. Focuses on functions offered by client personal computers: individualized environments; flexibility in running operating systems; advanced operating system features; multiuser environments; and centralized data…