This study focused on the operational skills and conceptual understandings of videotex likely to be developed in a school setting. The sample was an eighth grade science class. Conclusions are discussed in terms of guidelines for planning in-school applications of videotex.

Outlines an efficient approach to performing query resolution which, when matched with a keyword scanner, offers rapid selecting and routing for massive Boolean queries, and which is suitable for implementation on a desktop computer. Demonstrates the system's operation with large examples in a practical setting. (AEF)

This examination of the use of local area networks (LANs) by libraries summarizes the findings of a nationwide survey of 600 libraries and information centers and 200 microcomputer networking system manufacturers and vendors, which was conducted to determine the relevance of currently available networking systems for library and information center…

Describes a study that examined the ability of the dBase database management system to perform secondary key retrieval on multivalued data items. The results are presented as time cost relative to the number of matching records, and situations in which a different management system might be appropriate are identified. (CLB)

Identifies five design requirements for electronic encyclopedias, based on the content and structure of printed encyclopedias and the uses that people make of them. Three existing hypertext programs (Owl International's Guide, HyperCard, and HyperTIES) are compared in terms of their ability to satisfy these design requirements. (CLB)

Reports on the Online Access to Knowledge (OAK) Project, which developed software to support end user access to a Department of Energy database based on the skill levels and needs of energy researchers. The discussion covers issues in development, evaluation, and the study of user behavior in designing an interface tailored to a special…

This study tested eighth-grade boys' and girls' attitudes toward and achievements in electronic searching using a microcomputer. Three dimensions of student themes, two sets of computer achievement measures, and three attitudinal dimensions were analyzed for each of three treatment groups. Results and implications for educational equity are…

Describes a survey on the use of microcomputers in special libraries. The discussion of the findings includes types of hardware and software in use; applications in public services, technical processes, and administrative tasks; data back-up techniques; training received; evaluation of software; and future plans for microcomputer applications. (1…

Describes an evaluative project in which a prototype bibliographic database on optical data disk was installed in six developing country libraries and a Canadian library. The results of the project are discussed in terms of user satisfaction and cost effectiveness, and recommendations are made to donor agencies, information providers, and…

The first of two phases in this research project aimed at linking information technology (IT) with library information skills used the microcomputer as an information retrieval tool, and investigated ways of using curriculum-based keywords to help secondary school students define and maintain a clear sense of purpose when selecting, evaluating,…

Mail surveys designed to determine the current status of end user online searching were sent to three populations: 473 faculty members in 12 departments at 20 universities, online search coordinators in 89 academic libraries, and 15 library school educators. Direct interviews with 10 university faculty members were also conducted. Faculty were…

Presents microcomputer-based information retrieval system in public access mode and describes preparations, procedures, and use developed and recorded during first year of operation at Louisiana State University. A detailed analysis of month-long free trial period (user status, major areas of study, subjects searched) and 10 conclusions and…

Presents results of a 1984 survey of microcomputer applications, hardware, and software utilization in the libraries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Findings--which are summarized separately for each country as well as for the group--indicate microcomputer uses are neither as sophisticated nor as varied as expected. (MBR)

Describes a survey of Australian primary and secondary schools that examined their use of electronic information systems. Topics discussed include systems and services in use, the extent of system use and acceptance, curriculum applications, perceived problems and benefits, and some of the strategies and administrative procedures connected with…

A 1989 study at Cornell University compared students' competence, behavior, and preference in searching the ERIC database on Silver Platter CD-ROM systems for IBM and Macintosh computers. Although no significant differences in search success were noted between the systems, the majority of students expressed a preference for the Macintosh's…