Briefly describes some available database design tools and provides a detailed description and evaluation of the ER-Design Package, a sophisticated and comprehensive tool available on microcomputer. Some of the ER-Design functions evaluated include the main design module, diagram generation, conversion to relational schema, normalization of files,…

Discusses the emerging need of users for bulk numerical, graphic, and textual information, and describes a range of tools available for information reduction and restructuring, and the conversion of data into information. Some of the tools described include graphics databases, hypertext applications, and search systems that utilize relationships,…

Describes adventure games, a genre of computer simulation games that require the use of creative and intuitive approaches similar to those used in online database searching, and suggests that they can be used in training online searchers to develop creative problem solving skills. Reviews of several available adventure games are included. (EJS)

Discussion of expert systems and how they can be used focuses on recent research and empirically validated interface features. Highlights include immediate feedback; text brevity; graphics; explanations and human information processing abilities; novice user learning styles; multioption displays; users' mental models; incidental learning; and…

Provides an interim report on a project whose goal is to provide subject access to the knowledge of mankind at least as well as the skilled reference librarian. Classification and concept formation are discussed in terms of four modules: diagnostics of information-seeking behavior, network interface, subject access, and graphic interface. (EM)