Recently organizations have begun to realize the potential value in the huge amounts of raw, constantly fluctuating data sets that they generate and, with the help of advances in storage and processing technologies, collect. This leads to the phenomenon of big data. This data may be stored in structured format in relational database systems, but…

The silo is a well-worn metaphor in information systems used to illustrate separateness, isolation, and lack of connectivity. Through the many iterations of system development, libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) have sought to avoid silos and find the sweet spot between interface design and metadata interoperability. This effort is being…

The word "data" connotes math, science, and technology: digits and quantifiable units. Data imply objectification--reducing ideas, and perhaps even students and teachers, to products that can be measured and compared. Ironically, however, this conception of data is itself reductive, and it minimizes the richness and potential of data.…

The mathematics of information processing and the Internet can be organized around four fundamental themes: (1) access (finding information easily); (2) security (keeping information confidential); (3) accuracy (ensuring accurate information); and (4) efficiency (data compression). In this article, the author discusses each theme with reference to…

Data relating to occupations has been collected in the national apprentice and trainee collection since 1994. The coding used conforms to classifications endorsed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The latest version issued from the ABS is the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The classification…

Apprentice and trainee data are reported by the State and Territory Training Authorities to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) on a quarterly basis, starting at the September quarter of 1994. The set of data submitted that quarter is referred to as Collection 1. The sets of data submitted in subsequent quarters are…

Considers the legal response to terrorism following the September 11th attacks and questions whether American intelligence and law enforcement are positioned to protect the public in an effective manner. Highlights include the business of intelligence; the collection of information; use of technology; the need to improve information sharing; and…

Outlines the procedures used in the creation of the Cooperative Management Information System (CMIS) at Macomb County Community College: determination of information needs, data collection, and information storage and manipulation. Discusses the use of CMIS in assessing program effectiveness. (SK)

Presents compact disc (CD) technology as the method of choice for data collection and knowledge distribution. Discusses four phases of the CD network storage application (processing, imaging, recording, verifying), expanding applications in imaging, archiving, Internet/intranet, CD production, and network backup and storage. (PEN)

Cultural differences, socioeconomic conditions, broken homes, and other problems are not grounds for allowing criminal acts to go unchallenged on school property. This publication shows administrators how to control and reduce the incidence of criminal acts, which create fear, anxiety, hostility, and a loss of confidence in the educational system.…

Describes database and index design and data collection methods for compilation of the National Tune Index, a comprehensive, multifaceted tool for research in and analysis of eighteenth century American and British secular music, restoration of early American theater works, and identification of specific tune or text fragments. (MBR)

Describes the system devised by the National Film Board of Canada that is aimed at gathering information about relevant Canadian audiovisual products, organizing the information to internationally acceptable library standards, and making it available online for individual users to meet their own internal system requirements. (CHC)

One of four projects conducted by the American Statistical Association (ASA) in cooperation with the Bureau of the Census, the conference explored the most important and fruitful research and development topics within the user-oriented software domain. Its objectives were to (1) develop recommendations on mechanisms to improve access to and use of…

Good computer files can help colleges find, manage, and solicit alumni volunteers. In 1978 Rhodes College began creating detailed records on alumni and friends, entering gift and biographical data, mostly in coded form, into computerized personal files. (MLW)

This special section of the "Bulletin" includes an introduction and the following articles: "New Metadata Standards for Digital Resources: MODS (Metadata Object and Description Schema) and METS (Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard)"; "Metadata Generation: Processes, People and Tools"; "Data Collection for…