Describes uses of the microcomputer by Instant Information, Inc., highlighting administrative tasks (accounting, correspondence, file maintenance) and microcomputer's ability to act as dumb terminal in information retrieval. Software selection, the company's computer program "Instantcom" which supports communication and retrieval, and…

A retrospective conversion tool permitting libraries with a microfiche reader and Apple microcomputer to convert bibliographic and holdings files to computer-readable tapes in MARC format is described. The basic process, library costs and MARC tape costs, use of system in Wisconsin, and user's view of the system are noted. (EJS)

Generation of book catalog of computer programs--"Bechtel Catalog of Computer Programs" (BECCAT)--by a corporate data processing library used by a multinational corporation is examined in terms of justification, entries, production, and distribution. Sample program entry format, library program control form, and log entry data are…

Examines features of consumer online services (CompuServe, Source, Apple) highlighting electronic mail, job listing, news and "tip" information, financial services, programing, citizen band simulation, online encyclopedia, costs, Gamemaster (a game system in Evanston, Illinois), electronic bulletin boards, and communications software…

Describes Reflink, a system based on sophisticated information retrieval techniques which is housed in a small microcomputer, and its predecessor, Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES). The systems are placed in a conceptual framework involving stable and dynamic information, and several illustrations of multiple uses are presented. Four…

Describes ongoing project to automate production of 26 indexes and catalogs produced by H. W. Wilson Company through use of the BEACON system and its online screen-edit program, SCREED. System objectives, system architecture, specifications, components (data entry, validation, release, file generation, retrieval, publication, photocomposition,…

Reports on a four-year study of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in which microcomputers were used in individual college classrooms as interactive instructional systems. Discusses students' feelings about CAI, the computer hardware and software, and the lesson models involved. (Author/RW)

The Dallas Independent School District uses a multi-step computerized scheduling system to optimize the student's ability to schedule the courses he wants. Four distinct steps are involved: 1) course offerings are defined; 2) student requests are enumerated; 3) schedules are prepared, based upon requests; and 4) students are put into the schedule.…

Preliminary description of design of electronic library and home information delivery system highlights potentials of personal computer interface program (applying for service, assuring that users are valid, checking for measures, searching, locating titles) and incorporation of concepts used in other information systems (security checks,…

This beginning reference manual describes PLATO IV hardware for prospective users and provides an introduction to PLATO for new authors. The PLATO terminal is described in detail in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 provides a block diagram of the PLATO IV system. Procedures for getting on line are described in Chapter 3, and Chapter 4 provides references to…

Recent reviews of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in various journals suggest that the technological and economic barriers to its adoption and use may be overcome in the very near future, and that CAI will be feasible in a number of educational settings. Computer hardware costs have dropped dramatically in recent years, and a variety of…

Outlines design requirements for situation description, policy specifications, and decision consequences feedback systems of type that could be used to help manage Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) portfolios for large organizations. Several systems are described, and three additional systems design characteristics are…

Prewriting programs using computers fall into two broad categories: interactive and noninteractive. An early example of a noninteractive program is that of Ellen Nold, called "Cinnamon." Its purpose was to present the student with a series of content questions. In answering such questions, the student would be accumulating a set of data…

Based on online searching experiences on microcomputer at a small liberal arts college, this article outlines for the novice advantages and disadvantages of micro-searching, legal implications, future trends, and factors to consider in selecting hardware and software. A 16-item bibliography arranged in order of usefulness and 10 references are…

Describes technique for automatic book indexing requiring dictionary of terms with text strings that count as instances of term and text in form suitable for processing by text formatter. Results of experimental application to portion of book text are presented, including measures of precision and recall. Ten references are noted. (EJS)