This article discusses different types of literacy software and provides an annotated list of recommended software packages. Guidelines for previewing and selecting software are given, and short reviews of 17 programs are included along with contact information for their publishers, suggested age and ability levels, and details of hardware…

Describes the Nebraska Library Commission's experiences with modem sharing on their local area network (LAN). Asynchronous communications servers (ACSs) are described, selecting software for an ACS is discussed, pricing and compatibility is considered, and two sidebars list network-compatible terminal software and companies that provide ACS…

This digest provides a brief explanation of what a database is; explains how a database can be used; identifies important factors that should be considered when choosing database management system software; and provides citations to sources for finding reviews and evaluations of database management software. The digest is concerned primarily with…

Describes digital video technology and new DVI multimedia products. Advantages of all-digital video are considered; industry standards for hardware, software, and video are discussed; data compression is explained; and software development is considered. Microcomputer standards, compressed digital video formats, and software applications supported…

Discussion of the notion of readability focuses on predicting readability with computerized readability formulas. Semantic and syntactic factors are discussed, the development of readability formulas is described, and five commercially available computer readability formulas are reviewed, including the Readability Estimator, Readability Formulas,…

Describes MultiTool, a new programming shell for use in developing multimedia education and training applications with microcomputer-based software and videodisk-based images. Examines the objectives of the system and its limitations, analysis and design of a courseware module, and implementation details. (LZ)

Describes HYTELNET, a hypertext utility which facilitates access to INTERNET resources for IBM-PC users. Software development and expansion of the utility from an electronic guide to online library catalogs to a complete directory of Internet sites are discussed. Instructions for retrieving HYTELNET are appended, and 14 references available…

Describes the possible roles of an automation librarian working with microcomputer-based applications. Topics discussed include developing original applications; troubleshooting; software evaluation; hardware and software monitoring, maintenance, and upgrading; data protection; staff training; system documentation; negotiation and communication;…

Currently available spreadsheet programs for microcomputers provide many features that can be very useful for evaluators and researchers. Some of the basic concepts involved in spreadsheet use are introduced, and information is provided on the use of spreadsheets in maintaining and analyzing evaluation data. The spreadsheet used in the discussion…

The fifth in a series of articles on microcomputer software for information storage and retrieval describes characteristics of and presents test results for seven programs in the following categories: personal information managers, including 3by5/RediReference, askSam, Dayflo Tracker, and Ize; Personal Librarian, a relevance ranking program; and…

To help teachers cope with the proliferation of software and software sources, a number of resources are available to aid in the evaluation and selection of educational software. For instance, both the "Educator's Handbook and Software Directory" and "Swift's Directory of Educational Software, Apple II Edition" provide listings…

Describes LISPA (Library and Information Center Staff Planning Advisor), a set of programs based on Ranganathan's staff plan model. LISPA particularly aids in planning for library staff requirements, both professional and paraprofessional, in developing countries where automated systems for other library operations are not yet available.…

Health educators need to recognize potential of microcomputer in school health program and become familiar with its application in order to function effectively within next decade. Applications for software packages can be used for two general purposes in the school health program: classroom and school-wide management and delivery of instruction.…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of integrated software, i.e., software that combines the functions of several independent programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, graphics programs, and desktop publishing so that users can work in a consistent and flexible computer environment. Microsoft Works, a well-known integrated package, is…

VALE (Vocational Assessment of Lost Earnings) is a computer-based information system that assesses loss of capacity to perform work and earn money as a result of disability. System uses the Worker Trait Characteristics associated with occupational titles, which are cross- referenced with national earnings data and number of employed persons in a…