Thanks to extraordinary and exponential improvements in data storage and computing capacities, it is now possible to collect, manage, and analyze data in magnitudes and in manners that would have been inconceivable just a short time ago. As the world has developed this remarkable capacity to store and analyze data, so have the world's governments…

The University of Minnesota-Duluth is the second largest campus in the University of Minnesota system. The UMD library, which serves more than 11,000 students and 500 faculty members, is primarily an undergraduate library. The reference team consists of eight librarians, including author Sunshine Carter, reference and electronics resources…

It used to be much easier to get paid by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). A lot easier, that is, if you didn't work there. Saddled with an antiquated computer system and manual, repetitive data entry of time cards, officials at California's second-largest school district discovered the payroll department was mistakenly issuing $1…

Defines forms and the processing characteristics of working forms, and introduces the proposed prototype form definition language to specify the information requirements and to describe the nonprocedural execution in activity processing. The article also outlines the integrated forms-based information system, focusing on the interactions among the…

Florida's Education and Training Placement Information Program links records of former students to databases of state and federal agencies to obtain follow-up data on employment, military service, and postsecondary education. Results are provided to counselors, teachers, and policymakers for planning, evaluation, and guidance. (SK)

An automated list of bidders can be organized to provide an effective means of soliciting qualified suppliers to school districts. The system in Frederick County, Maryland, is described. (MLF)

Outlines the important factors to be considered in selecting a database management system for use with a microcomputer and presents a series of guidelines for developing a database. General procedures, report generation, data manipulation, information storage, word processing, data entry, database indexes, and relational databases are among the…

Outlines eight steps through which college reading, study skills, and writing centers can develop computerized concordance-index systems to facilitate and enhance their programs. Includes sample forms used at Washington State University; tells how the Washington State concordance-index has provided data related to accountability concerns and…

Recommends the use of computer graphics for making smart and quick decisions and reducing costs. Discusses the advantage of having user-friendly graphics, the importance of using a proper format, the basic steps for generating computer graphics, and the need to be aware of possible abuse or misuse of graphics. (EL)