Describes in detail the practice of information retrieval within business organizations based on 46 interviews. Highlights include the importance of text to the performance of information work rather than technical aspects of retrieval; information management; and information retrieval problems in organizations. (LRW)

Discusses problems associated with manually created or maintained hyperdocument links and the need for automatic methods, describes a system for the automatic detection and management of various links, and presents a case study of a World Wide Web hyperbase for the Australian parliament. (Author/LRW)

Given the global computerization environment, this paper aspires for the kind of information manager in Africa that is versatile globally, deals with all sorts of technical and resource management issues, and relates at all levels of interaction. The emphasis is on the information professional and manager with a vision of good leadership and…

Discussion of management issues involved with local area networks (LAN) among information organizations focuses on a project at the University of North Texas that was designed to investigate problems associated with LAN. Topics discussed include purchasing decisions for hardware and software, and integration among various groups of users. (Eight…

Great increases in the availability of full-text publications on the Internet has posed many problems for librarians who must secure licenses to provide the online versions of these journals to their clients. Discussion includes steps taken to minimize the impact of these problems and maximize availability of online resources, as well as the…

Discussion of problems that organizations face regarding the selection, management, and accession of information services focuses on the extent to which document information systems (DIS) and text management systems (TMS) can improve the management and accessibility of information sources. Examples of TMS applications are described. (11…

This presentation of how land grant university libraries became federal depository libraries in 1907 examines the principle legislative statutes creating the land grant university system. Discusses government information distribution and management problems; 1980 Paperwork Reduction Act; the National Performance Review; Congressional reform…

Describes a project to integrate the support and delivery of information services to faculty and staff at the University of Minnesota from the planning phase to implementation of a new organizational entity. Topics addressed include technical and organizational integration, control and delivery of services, and networking and organizational fit.…

Describes problems encountered by the staff of the Georgia Power Company Library when they planned for the automation of their catalog. Topics discussed include developing software inhouse versus using commercial software packages; authority control and problems with standardization and subject access; changing from a mainframe to a microcomputer;…

This teaching case documents an actual case of process execution and failure. The case is useful in MIS introductory courses seeking to demonstrate the interdependencies within a business process, and the concept of cascading failure at the process level. This case demonstrates benefits and potential problems with information technology systems,…

Discusses the problems encountered and solutions adopted in application of the ADABAS database management system to the ECDIN (Environmental Chemicals Data and Information Network) data bank. SIMAS, the pilot system, and ADABAS are compared, and ECDIN ADABAS design features are described. Appendices provide additional facts about ADABAS and SIMAS.…

Describes how a management information system (MIS) at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) was adapted to ensure adequate training to accompany the development of computer applications. Highlights include semantic differences; user needs; time and budget constraints; and problems between users and programmers, including examples.…

Handheld devices are being used increasingly in schools and higher education. Many researchers assume that the use of these devices will exert considerable impact on educational practices. However, to date, it appears that such use has not been sustainable and transferable. The impact of educational uses of handheld devices does not yet seem…

Discusses applications of Lotus Notes groupware developed by MCI Communications Corporation librarians. The development of administrative databases used for reference request tracking, interlibrary loan, book ordering and other purposes, and corporate wide databases used to disseminate internal and external information are described. The strengths…

Discusses staffing needs and plans that need to be considered by library administrators. Topics addressed include the supervisory process, including patron needs assessment; the staffing process, including a staffing control system; staffing studies that establish a base for decision making; staffing standards; staffing problems; scheduling; and…