Describes various ways in which software systems for online catalogs can be designed to enhance subject access. Highlights include what to search (subject headings, titles, notes, authority-file records, classification numbers, and associated text); truncation and stemming; spelling correction; search strategies (headings, keywords, Boolean…

Details distinction between digital and analog data, advantages of analog storage, and optical disc use to store analog data. Configuration and potential of three levels of laser disc systems are explained. Selection of display devices for use with laser disc systems and accessing audio data are addressed. (Continued in next issue.) (EJS)

Describes some of the problems encountered in full text searching and suggests ways to overcome them. Areas discussed include differences between online and offline versions of full text; lack of precise and flexible indexing; software inadequacies; record displays; typographical errors; and problems with both global and source searching. (six…

Describes new technology known as videodisc, including optical videodisc, capacitance electronic disc, and video high density disc. Entertainment, educational, training, and information storage and retrieval potentials of videodiscs are discussed. A list of agencies active in optical disc applications, useful Canadian videodisc contacts, and a…

This introduction to online numeric database systems describes the types of databases associated with such systems, shows the major functions which they can perform (retrieval, analysis, display), and identifies the major characteristics of user interfaces. Examples of numeric database use are appended. (EJS)

Presents an overview of current data gathering and analytical techniques for author cocitation analysis (ACA). Highlights include selection of the author set; retrieval of cocited author counts; multivariate analyses, including multidimensional scaling; data display techniques; an example for macroeconomics; interpretation and validation of…

Describes a microcomputer-based multimedia system that enables videotape presentations to be created by assembling still or moving data, with sound and in color, from a variety of sources. Source media include Macintosh storage of text and graphics, and various types of videotape and disc players. (18 references) (CLB)

This four-section paper begins with a brief description of videotex and the paths its development has followed during its short lifespan. The second section examines how videotex systems should present and display information, and how such information should be internally organized so that it is maximally useful for the reader/user. The analysis,…

Overview of the impact of information technology on libraries highlights turnkey vendors, bibliographic utilities, commercial suppliers of records, state and regional networks, computer-to-computer linkages, remote database searching, terminals and microcomputers, building local databases, delivery of information, digital telefacsimile,…

Availability of low-cost digital optical disks will revolutionize storage and retrieval systems over next decade. Three major factors will effect this change: availability of disks and controllers at low-cost and in plentiful supply; availability of low-cost and better output means for system users; and more flexible, less expensive communication…

One in a series of 10 promotional publications on videotex, this document describes both videotex and teletext and illustrates with actual examples how educators are using these new tools. Topics discussed include the educational roles permitted by the standardization of videotex and teletext; characteristics of the North American Presentation…

Identifies factors that reduce the effectiveness of computers as intermediaries and discusses possible negative effects on user satisfaction and the interaction between users and librarians. A set of guidelines for the improvement of online catalogs, based on user needs and abilities, is presented. (41 references) (CLB)