The success of an application programming interface (API) crucially depends on how well its documentation meets the information needs of software developers. Previous research suggests that these information needs have not been sufficiently understood. This article presents the results of a series of semistructured interviews and a follow-up…

In recent years, smartphones and tablets have been rapidly adopted by consumers worldwide. Within the United States, a growing number of school districts have incorporated tablets into classroom instruction. As mobile technology becomes further integrated into households and classrooms, parents, teachers, and students might need information for…

This essay lists elements of a public service microcomputer project--needs, clientele or population, skill level, type of service, type of equipment, site or location--and identifies a number of options under each heading. Examples illustrating how librarians can use the model in planning a service are noted. (EJS)

This introduction to a special report on telecommunications presents several compelling reasons why telecommunications is one of the most practical and beneficial applications of personal computer technology and briefly summarizes the other articles in this section. (MBR)

Sophisticated managers know that reams of data cannot take the place of important information. Planning is necessary to ensure that what is being reported in an organization is necessary and useful and that data are not assembled just because the computer makes it possible. (MLF)

Offers an overview of issues pertaining to societal readiness to cope with the information explosion. The need for computer literacy, an examination of computers in education, and the role of the National Science Foundation in computer literacy programs are discussed. (MER)

Describes relatively new computer software that can be used to maintain, analyze, and report large sets of educational data. The application of two of these packages to problems faced when manipulating educational data is demonstrated, and administrators are provided with information on the evaluation and selection of software products. (MER)

To realize the ultimate potential of a management information system in a local school district it will be necessary to address problems related to the system's data elements, the compliance mentality of vocational educators, and the lack of local expertise specific to the operation and utilization of these systems. (Author/IRT)

Use of the Application Transfer Study (ATS), a method of assessing information systems, to evaluate a dental school's information system is described, and its results are reported. It is concluded that the ATS was a worthwhile undertaking for both direct and indirect benefits derived from the analysis and the implementation of resulting…

Highlights approximately 200 computer companies and briefly describes their products and services. Focuses on vendors of hardware, software, and computer-related services and materials. For software, indicates the availability of administrative/business, information systems, computer-assisted instruction, student administration and scheduling, and…

Computer-assisted advisement provides solutions to the most fundamental of advising problems by giving reduced time in evaluating students for graduation, improved accuracy, ease in obtaining information, frequency in providing information, reduction of cost, and versatility. (MSE)

A framework is provided for planning for and using the Management Information System (MIS) most appropriate to an individual institution. Information needs are considered as part of the overall planning, managerial, evaluation, and inquiry system. Factors affecting MIS development and successful use are addressed. (MSE)

Examines questions raised when implementing computerized versions of the "Looking After Children" materials in child-welfare services. Discussion concerns the difficulty of establishing common goals between information technology specialists and social work managers, the need to develop computer systems which are seen to benefit all parties…

Discussion of information needs of rural areas and impact of computer technology on information dissemination focuses on information sources and services--the public or tax-supported sector (federal, state, and local agencies); the private sector (mass media). Computer technology in agriculture based on interactive computer systems, videotex, and…

Independent schools should consider installing computerized records management and word processing in development offices for efficiency, cost containment, better service, targeted solicitations, and information availability for decision making. However, an understanding of what can and cannot be accomplished is essential in deciding on computer…