Describes a performance technology approach to paperwork reduction for managers that looks at information as a stimulus designed to prompt or initiate a desired behavior or response from the reader. Guidelines for improving performance through the use of information that serves as directions or feedback are given. (LRW)

Suggests standards designed to guide potential database users through a systematic evaluation process to choose database appropriate for particular application. Comparison standards are provided for database content (scope, completeness, source coverage, selection/evaluation, redundancy, references); database systems (documentation, accessibility,…

Presents an approach to using online sources of information for competitor intelligence (i.e., monitoring industry and tracking activities of competitors); identifies principal sources; and suggests some ways of making use of online databases. Types and sources of information and sources and database charts are appended. Eight references are…

Discusses the need for intellectual honesty in using technology. Topics include intellectual property laws; ethics; indirect results of copying software and images; the need for institutional policy; and the provision of facilities and resources that encourage respect for policy. A sidebar provides "A Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for…

Discusses the use of computer information systems to aid in library management functions such as planning, control, and decision making. Outlined are applications of macroanalysis (comparative library data, performance measures, use statistics) and microanalysis (circulation, acquisition, catalog support, and online catalog systems). (SW)

This essay illustrates a technique for reducing the risks of capital investment decisions involving considerable sums for advanced technologies by considering its application to a problem that arises frequently in selection of automated library systems. Incomplete information, using available information, selecting a system, and consultants are…

Defines and discusses competitive intelligence for business decision making and suggests the use of online databases to start looking for relevant information. The best databases to use are described, designing the search strategy is explained, reviewing and editing results are discussed, and the presentation of results is considered. (LRW)

Ten methods of finding information are rated, based on a survey of professional practitioners. Three networks linkage systems, state-of-the-art syntheses, and a successful medical consultation (by telephone) service are described. (Available from: Jossey-Bass, Inc., 433 California St., San Francisco, CA 94194, single issue, $6.95.) (GDC)

Improving the quality of classroom, academic, and management decisions through more intelligent and systematic use of student data is addressed. Kinds of student-data users are classified, variables of student attitudes and behavior relevant to each user are identified, and relevant published instruments are listed. (Author/JMD)