The first article in a three-part series to help purchasers obtain the best computer software for their budgets tells how to define requirements before soliciting bids for software. (Author/MLF)

The second article in a series of three to help purchasers obtain the best computer programs for their budgets, deals with bid solicitation and software evaluation. The first article appeared in the July 1981 issue. (Author/MLF)

The last section of a three-part series deals with computer hardware requirements, program installation, and evaluation techniques. The first two parts appeared in the July and September 1981 issues. (Author/MLF)

Suggests that catalogs of the future, as facilitated by computer technology, should take on multiple formats. Three levels of varying form and size are envisioned for the needs and uses of the librarian, the general user, and the individual user. (Author/RAA)

Discusses disciplines required in writing branching programs for interactive video, underscoring the need to work from a flowchart, function on a team, and develop skills to write nonlinearly. Problems encountered are compared with Faulkner's novel, "The Sound and the Fury," and the development of two programs is briefly described. (MBR)

Describes an interactive data retrieval system which was designed and implemented for casual users and which incorporates a user-friendly interface, aids to train beginners in use of the system, versatility in output, and error recovery protocols. A 14-item reference list and two figures illustrating system operation and output are included. (JL)

Reviews some of the assumptions underlying authoring guides and evaluation instruments for computer assisted instructional materials and recommends that software design and evaluation criteria be derived from a consistent learning theory base which considers the type of learning, type of learner, and instructional context. (Author/JJD)