Examines design functions of present file organizations in the context of available data storage devices and identifies current developmental trends. (Author/RAA)

User perception of data importance and the economic feasibility of hardware and storage devices will determine the future direction of online systems. A retrieval system's functions are ultimately dictated by database design. Early online sytems were designed for bibliographic information limited to citations only using sequential files. When…

Joseph Weizenbaum (author of the computer program ELIZA) discusses his views about educational computing, pointing out why he is not convinced that children below the tenth grade benefit from the introduction of computers into the curriculum, and why larger educational issues must be addressed. (JN)

The citizen of tomorrow needs to understand the role of information in political systems; computer technology and information storage, retrieval, and use; the implications of information systems for individual rights; and the impact of computer crime, databanks, and systems analysis on the social, economic, and political spheres. (QKR)

The 15 papers in this collection discuss various aspects of computer use in libraries and several other aspects of library service not directly related to computers. Following an introduction and a list of officers, the papers are: (1) "Criminal Justice and Related Databases" (Kate E. Adams); (2) "Software and Hard Thought:…

Discusses forces at work within today's on-line data base environment which could lead to the emergence of a distributed information network; identifies several important modules in such a network, including an automated subject switching module; and reports research investigations, critical issues, and preliminary findings with regard to…

Predictions of the effect of technological change on society in the home, the workplace, and in public and academic libraries in the future are presented. Topics discussed include the problem of inaccurate data, access to information, videodisc technology, "telematics" (the combining of computer technology and telecommunications), cable…

This paper discusses current information technologies and their applications, both real and potential, in the field of public relations. It is argued that public relations are more important than ever in view of global events that challenge the world's ability to handle problems related to public trust and confidence, and the telecommunications…

Distributed data bases in statewide and multi-institutional systems are discussed. It is suggested that traditional approaches to data processing and current data base software are inappropriate for a distributed data base system. (BH)