This article presents an interview with SirsiDynix CEO Gary M. Rautenstrauch and newly appointed VP of library relations Berit Nelson about some of the issues that have been roiling the ILS world and the company itself, among them the recent consolidation of SirsiDynix's offices, customer service, the state of library budgets, the rise of ebooks…

This is the fourth and final installment in a series of articles presenting a new outlook on the methods of instructional design. These articles examine the nature of the process of instructional design and are meant to stimulate discussion about the roles of designers in the fields of instructional design, the learning sciences, and interaction…

Describes infomapping, or the mapping of corporate information assets, as a method to manage information as an organizational resource. Attributes of Information Resource Entities (IREs), which are profiled in an information map, are described; management benefits are discussed; and the use of InfoMapper, a software tool for information mapping,…

Discusses university and industry cooperation in designing and implementing an effective program in information system education. A plan to educate the managers of a state agency to use computer equipment and software for the improvement of decision making and productivity is explained, and implications for future researchers are suggested. (25…

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)

Reviews types and evaluates effectiveness of microcomputer-based training for managers: electronic workbooks, simulations/games, expert systems, and management support systems. (SK)

Introduces a new way of looking at concepts called Hazyspace that focuses on the messiness of real life and the indeterminancy of concepts as key features in understanding the conceptual domain of human beings. Although Hazyspace has general applicability to education, this discussion focuses on use of the term to describe how new users…

This paper is addressed to librarians and information managers who, as one of the many activities they routinely perform, frequently publish information in such formats as newsletters, manuals, brochures, forms, presentations, or reports. It is argued that desktop publishing--a personal computer-based software package used to generate documents of…

Migrating from a traditional to a relational database technology requires more than traditional project management techniques. An overview of what to consider before migrating to relational database technology is presented. Leadership, staffing, vendor support, hardware, software, and application development are discussed. (MLW)

Addresses problems encountered by self-taught "talented amateurs" doing microcomputer systems work for libraries: not maintaining design control, not maintaining operational control, attempting to use someone else's database, having variety of diverse systems activity converging on common database, attempting to run whole show, and…

Discusses technological developments causing changes in personal information systems: increase in commercial support services; proliferation of microcomputers; capability to download from secondary services into private files; and developing desire to utilize functions such as electronic mail and automated office functions. Appendices list 21…

Reports on the use of microcomputers in comprehensive library circulation systems. Topics covered include system requirements (reliability, completeness); determining circulation system needs (saving money, improving service, modernization); limitations of microcomputers (capacity, kinds of data stored, number of stations or terminals); system…

Defines and discusses the equipment and software needed to start telecommunicating: modems (speed, autodial or manual dial, stand-alone or built-in), telephones, telecommunications software, and commercial information services, including electronic mail and bulletin boards. Definitions, communications protocols, equipment features, and costs are…

Trends in online searching are discussed in terms of how end users continue to change role of the librarian and information specialist. Identification and description of end users, user-friendly information retrieval systems, front-end software packages, and current and potential developments in end user searching are covered. Ten readings are…

This report on the microcomputer-to-mainframe link highlights advantages and weaknesses of each system when used independently; technical considerations for link (personal computer emulates a dumb terminal, data transfer, selective data access category, nongeneric links); how librarians can use the link; availability of software; and planning for…