Presents the theoretical aspects of a data analysis methodology that can help transform sequential raw data from a database into useful information, using the statistical analysis of patents as an example. Topics discussed include relational analysis and a technology watch approach. (Contains 17 references.) (LRW)

The Cobb-Douglas model applied to value added as a function of labor, capital, purchases of information services, and purchases of other input is used to investigate the use of information by the industrial sector of Croatia, Yugoslavia. It is concluded that less than an optimal amount of information resources is being used. (13 references)…

Analyzes the half-life of book use through analysis of over 10,000 regional and statewide interlibrary loan requests. Correcting for the growth of the literature, this study indicated that the half-lives of monographs may increase from lower to higher levels of the hierarchy in a library network. (CWM)

Presents results from study of mathematical models (Cobb-Douglas model, mixture of Poissons, inverse effects of distance, weighted entropy) relating to usage of information systems, and notes papers developed during study which provide three types of analysis--literature reviews, analytical studies, and tests of models. Six references are…

Investigates the relationships between the parameters of the Simon-Yule model and the shapes of three bibliometric distributions: Lotka's Law of Scientific Productivity; Bradford's Law of Bibliometric Scattering; and Zipf's Law of Word Frequency. The results indicate that the probability of a new entry determines the characteristics of all three…

Discussion of the use of scientific information disseminated in primary subject literature focuses on a study that developed a methodology for hypothesis testing that measured document obsolescence by means of citation analysis and content obsolescence by expert opinions and then compared the results. Information validity and information utility…

Discusses two models of selecting information sources--Cost/Benefit (information seekers select sources on basis of expected benefits and costs), and Least-Effort (seekers select sources on basis of minimizing effort or cost). Results of a study proposing that users place different weights on costs and benefits are presented. (EJS)

Describes information system being developed by Unesco's General Information Program and Brazilian Institute for Information Science and Technology to overcome lack of timely, relevant data to support national information decision making. Principles and examples of practical applications of the system are presented. Prospects and requirements for…

Reports on a study of how 13 chief executives in the Canadian publishing and telecommunications industries scan their environments for information and use it in decision making. Critical incidents of information use were analyzed according to their environmental sectors, information sources, and their use in decision making. (Contains 27…

Analyzes and applies Bettman's information processing theory of consumer choice to information processing, evaluation, and utilization by academic libraries in Zambia to support research and development activities. Certain Zambian cultural and sociopsychological aspects and attitudes that could affect the evaluation and utilization of information…