Processes involved in computer searching of information systems are explained, with some caveats for the use of online searching by students and faculty. Among the concerns are overestimates of the efficacy of searching, inconsistency in search services and strategies, and other potential problems of search results' relevance. (MSE)

Describes textual database queries in the humanities based on poststructuralist theories and experiences with the ARTFL (American and French Research on the Treasury of the French Language) database. The use of computers for literary research and text interpretation and analysis is considered. (Contains nine references.) (LRW)

Recommends use of entries from the information retrieval diary of Ted Crump, expert technical translator at the National Institute of Health, in the construction of computer models showing how expert translators solve problems of ambiguity in language. Expert and inexpert translation systems, eponyms, abbreviations, and alphabetic solutions are…

This review of public domain software (written by individuals who release programs for free copying and distribution) focuses on disk utility programs which deal with the manipulation of files on disks (finding, moving, changing, viewing, organizing, storing). Sources for identifying programs and three addresses for software distribution are…

Proposals are made for practical approaches to the design of electronic office systems to provide for the effective storage and retrieval of the documents that they generate. Problems of records management and requirements to be met by the designer of an electronic office system are highlighted. Nineteen references are cited. (EJS)

The academic world must take seriously recent progress in computerized legal information systems and push hard for reduction of costs of such a system. Cooperative efforts of all groups concerned is essential. (Journal availability: Sweet & Maxwell Ltd., 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE, one pound fifty pence.) (MSE)

Examines alternative publishing modes used by authors of scholarly manuscripts not acceptable to established publishers: service publishing, on demand publishing, and ERIC. Proposes a national supplementary library of unpublished materials which would make manuscripts available upon demand. Discusses bibliographic control factors and criteria for…

Discusses the advances in and prospects of success for computerized systems, such as teletext, involving electronic transfer to the home of information traditionally transmitted through the newspaper. The new technology's effect in the marketplace, its providers, content, and potential audience are surveyed with respect to the future role of the…

This paper presented as part of a symposium on Issues in the Design and Implementation of Computer-Based Student Information Systems focuses on the ethical and legal aspects of these systems. It provides an update of the Buckley Amendment or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and a reminder of related codes of ethics. Four…

Summarizes difficulties in creating formal bibliographic citations to public access machine-readable documents (PAMD): no established format for PAMD references in tradition of scholarly writing; structure of computer conferencing results in authors using language different from that used in written communications; information storage problems of…

Extensionists need to make the "ASIAn Connection"--become Aware of the spectrum of research, Select program-related research, Integrate research from many disciplines, and Apply it in a way useful to clientele. Extensionists currently use a wide variety of traditional techniques to make the "ASIAn Connection." One relatively new technique has…

Comparison of access through the traditional catalog and online systems focuses on functions of the library card catalog--to provide access to all of author's work including works whereby author is identified in nonidentical ways, and to present to user all editions and translations as representations of a given work. (EJS)

Computer technology can liberate research from the bonds of time and distance and lead to a transformation of the library's role as an educational resource. (Author)

Issues and impacts of microcomputer use in libraries are discussed in terms of labor dislocation, costs, distributed data processing, networks, current system configurations and capabilities, and software. Reference service management, information retrieval systems, and external online access are also examined. Twenty-six references are listed.…

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…