Discusses the nature and current state of knowledge-based systems and expert systems. Describes an expert system from the viewpoints of a computer programmer and an applications expert. Addresses concerns related to materials selection and forecasts future developments in the teaching of materials engineering. (ML)

There are two basic approaches offered in current computerized transportation routing and scheduling programs: the mathematical programming approach and the intuitive optimization approach. Lists questions that an informed buyer should ask of the routing and scheduling company. (MLF)

The process of designing a microcomputer program to cumulate and record student grades at Brigham Young University is outlined. The development was undertaken by the registrar's office with the input of faculty, including those who had previously designed their own grading software. (MSE)

Describes file management package offering relatively sophisticated features: conversion of previously downloaded records from commercial database into local file; keyword searching on inverted keyword file; full-text searching on author, title, bibliographic source, abstract; sorting by author, title, bibliographic source, publication year;…

Reviews the use of microcomputers in university housing and food services. Discusses the merits of using micro-, mini-, or mainframe computers. Makes suggestions for starting to use computer programs, selecting software, and training personnel. (ABB)

Current awareness services at AT&T Bell Laboratories are described: bulletins announcing over 80,000 externally published items/year; production of four commercial machine-readable databases and camera-ready bulletin copy by Bell Laboratories Publication, Alerting, and Retrieval System (BELLPAR); photocopy service. Improvements in service are…

The current status of computer use in student admissions and records functions in colleges and universities is briefly reviewed, and the changes occurring in Brigham Young University's admissions office functions during the 13 years of computer applications are outlined. (MSE)

Identifies organizational risks of end-user computing (EUC) associated with different stages of the end-user applications life cycle (analysis, design, implementation). Generic controls are identified that address each of the risks enumerated in a manner that allows EUC management to select those most appropriate to their EUC environment. (5…

Overview of expert systems (intelligent computer applications that use data, a knowledge base, and a control mechanism to solve problems) highlights history of expert systems; construction (human element, knowledge acquisition and learning, system architecture); limitations; issues and trends; and implications for information science. Thirty-three…

An inhouse student scheduling and information system facilitated the successful reorganization of a Massachusetts high school to a four-year program. (MJL)

Describes Army research in recruitment and vocational counseling. Discusses the Joint Optical Information Network, which offers career opportunity information, and the Army Research Institute's investigations of vocational counseling for high school and community college students and its prototype vocational guidance system. Encourages community…

Discussion of computerization of information retrieval in State Archival Fonds of USSR focuses on development of two computer-based systems: one for central catalog containing information on each of assemblages comprising Archival Fonds, and the other for individual subject fields among archive documents. Sample subject searches and five…

This discussion of current microcomputer technologies available to libraries focuses on software applications in four major classifications: communications (online database searching); word processing; administration; and database management systems. Specific examples of library applications are given and six references are cited. (EJS)

Describes a computerized integrated data-base management system developed by the Colonial (Pennsylvania) School District, which is capable of extracting and combining data from separate data modules in any combination or form requested by district administrators. (JG)