Introduces three articles that identify various types of database management programs, discuss their basic features and some typical applications and present a table of the leading programs available; profile several companies that are utilizing database management systems; and illustrate several unusual home applications for hobbyists. (MBR)

Three separate articles present advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer use in libraries and some guidelines for determining whether their use is appropriate. Highlights include potential of microcomputers for improving existing situations; merits of automation; health hazards posed by microcomputers; man-machine interface difficulties;…

Discusses the World Wide Web (W3) and its relevance to a philosophy of science. Topics include PORIDGE, an electronically mediated encyclopedia of postmodern knowledge; hypertext mark-up language; W3 as a medium for information ecologies; the relationship between W3 and the user; social manufacture of knowledge; and W3 as a model. (29 references)…

Discusses shortcomings of a computer program previously described (Electronic Library, April 1985) to create Keyword Out of Context (KWOC) indexes. Program modifications are described which allow indexers to edit terms as the index is being compiled so term consistency is achieved and language conventions are observed. Examples are presented. (MBR)

Discusses language comprehension and describes a technology for computer-aided text analysis called READWARE and software from the READWARE family called the Research Assistant that measures the relatedness of words or phrases by examining their letters. The theory of Letter Semantics is explained, and paradigms for text processing in information…

Addresses single-user microcomputer systems and information processing applications normally performed through use of data management, spreadsheet, word processing, business graphics, and communications software. Both hardware and software considerations are included with an emphasis on hardware once appropriate application software-level packages…

Discusses hardware requirements, functions, and applications of five information processing and desktop publishing software packages for the Macintosh: HyperCard, PageMaker, Cricket Presents, Power Point, and Adobe illustrator. Benefits of these programs for schools are considered. (MES)

This paper discusses a model of information storage and retrieval, the k-d tree (Bentley, 1975), a binary, hierarchical tree with multiple associate terms, which has been explored in computer research, and it is suggested that this model could be useful for describing human cognition. Included are two models of human long-term memory--networks and…

Describes BIBTOOLS, a system of programs for microcomputers that accomplish many of the manual tasks involved in compiling bibliographies. Highlights of the system, which is designed for use with medical databases, include input and output functions, combining the software with online literature searches, parsing, and programs that function as…

Discusses issues involved in obtaining patents for computer software. Topics discussed include copyright protection; algorithms and other software processes within programs; the software industry and the effects of patenting; perspectives on software patents within higher education; cost factors; and the use of patents to control information…

Explores microcomputer revolution and assesses role of microcomputers in libraries. Highlights include characteristics of three types of computers (mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers); hardware limitations of microcomputers (storage capacity, processing speed); advancing technology; the local area network; software problems; and…

Summarizes findings of a project that reviewed eight commercial gradebook programs to determine range of features offered, e.g., menu and group organization, calculations and weighting of grades, error checking and correction, reports and printouts, documentation, and special options. Information on producer, hardware requirements, and cost is…

Describes the large-class BIJOU teaching support system developed at University of California-Berkeley to facilitate recordkeeping and communication with support staff. Reasons why large classes exist, organizational elements, and teaching support systems requirements are reviewed. Tasks supported by the BIJOU saystem, costs, and possible…

Changes in several technologies that handle, manipulate, and transmit information and ways in which these technologies are affecting businesses and homes are discussed in this paper, which also addresses the potential impact of these changes on public education. The first of four sections provides a very brief history of the computer revolution,…

Computers have the potential of creating new barriers and widening the gap between disabled and able-bodied people, because computers are extending the capabilities of non-handicapped individuals at a greater rate than for the handicapped. Access to standard computers and standard software must be provided to handicapped individuals by either…