Discusses ways microcomputers can be used to create the single machine-readable record that will be used by an automated library system. The options described include in-house conversion, part in-house and part service bureau, and service bureau. Specific vendors' services are listed and pros and cons of various options are explained. (EM)

Examines the advantages and disadvantages of using microcomputers in educational management, for instance in handling financial, personnel, or student data. Draws on a study by the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium, to compare microcomputers to large computers and manual record keeping in school administration. (Author/RW)

Discusses the benefits and disadvantages for library uses of stand-alone and integrated computer systems, multi-user and single-user systems, local area networks versus shared logic systems, and the Macintosh Library System which combines features of both. (EM)

A QuickBASIC microcomputer program for conducting Tukey-like pairwise comparisons on "k" independent sample proportions is described. The program can accommodate applications involving equal or unequal sample sizes. Studentized range values are computed and displayed on a computer monitor, each of which represents a simple comparison…

This description and comparison of the major economic statistical database services discusses such factors as public and proprietary data, value-added services, user training and support, data specialties, and pricing. (CLB)

Summarizes responses from an international survey of automated library system vendors who offer integrated, multi-user, multi-function systems running on mainframes, minis, and micros using multi-user operating systems. Companies were questioned about their computer systems, products, customers, staff, and sales figures. A comparative analysis of…

Surveys the choices available in new 16-bit microcomputers which run the MS-DOS operating system and which are IBM compatible. The 18 microcomputers reviewed are divided into the categories of compatibles offering additional features, low-cost compatibles, sleeker and faster compatibles, and coprocessor boards that yield compatibility. (MBR)

Two tables compare projected costs of online versus offline retrieval of citations from 50 databases using BRS and DIALOG. Data include database; databank; cost of access per hour; cost of 15-minute search with no retrieval; and cost of 15-minute search plus cost of 10 and 30 online or offline citations. (CLB)

This chart comparing communications software packages focuses on features important to novice users. Less obvious features covered in the chart are defined, including file transfer, protocols, baud rates, file types, capture methods, file editing, macro, tutorial unattended operation, document reading, and prices. A list of manufacturers of…

Recent improvements in the human factors elements incorporated in the design of personal computer interfaces are illustrated by detailed analyses of two microcomputers and their word processors (Osborne 1/WordStar and Apple's Macintosh/MacWrite). The vital steps in operation are described through analyses of the behavioral requirements involved in…

Cost effectiveness analysis in terms of personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, and overhead was made of two adult basic reading programs: Technology for Literacy Center's tutor-based program and Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS), computer-assisted instruction. Costs per unit of gain in reading skills clearly favored the PALS…

Discusses the characteristics of different computer screen technologies including the possible harmful effects on health of cathode ray tube (CRT) terminals. CRT's are compared to other technologies including liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, electroluminiscence displays, and light emitting diodes. A chart comparing the different…

Categorizes software packages for microcomputer database creation by their typical features and strengths, and discusses appropriate applications of each category. A directory of vendors for each type of software--text retrieval, file managers, database management, information storage and retrieval, integrated bibliographic systems, and library…

The first of two articles discusses the current status of desktop publishing, including some of its benefits and limitations. The second article compares and critiques both hardware and software currently available for the Macintosh and for MS-DOS microcomputers. A glossary of typographic terms is included. (CLB)

Compares the performance of ABI/INFORM on the DIALOG, NEXIS and DIALCOM systems in terms of documentation, database and system design, convenience, and cost. Examples of searches on the various systems are given. (CLB)