Enumerates principal management objectives of database management systems (data independence, quality, security, multiuser access, central control) and criteria for comparison (response time, size, flexibility, other features). Conventional database management systems, relational databases, and database machines used for backend processing are…

The purpose of the Common Communication Format (CCF) is to provide a detailed and structured method for recording a number of mandatory and optional data elements in a computer-readable bibliographic record for exchange purposes between two or more computer-based systems. However, it can also be useful within non-computerized bibliographic…

Describes method of generating Electronic Yellow Pages mailing labels using DIALOG commands which involve downloading to disk and interposing a BASIC language program between disk and printer. Downloading problems (accession numbers, "tic" which DIALOG provides, line noise), two versions of program (full, compressed), and output examples…

Considers fundamental decisions that shaped the output products of Research Libraries Information Network. Product Batch was designed using single data definition (RMARC) combined with standard PL/I, modular programing techniques, program documentation. Choice of software and programing languages, other design aspects (accountability, count…

Suggests new method of external distribution called tree partitioning that involves use of binary tree to split incoming file into successively smaller partitions for internal sorting. Number of disc accesses during a tree-partitioning sort were calculated in simulation using files extracted from British National Bibliography catalog files. (19…

Reports on the design and use of a computer system--SORT-AID--to assist bibliographic database searchers in the post-search, analysis phase of their work. Designed for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) installations, this system automatically determines the relevance of downloaded abstracts and provides facilities for editing…

This guide discusses four types of microcomputer-based communication programs that could prove useful to evaluators: (1) the direct communication of information generated by one computer to another computer; (2) using the microcomputer as a terminal to a mainframe computer to input, direct the analysis of, and/or output data using a statistical…

An online data retrieval system for administrators of departments at Ball State University is described. The underlying concept is to pull together data elements from operational databases available on the mainframe and to make this information accessible to administrators through a straightforward retrieval system. (MLW)

An interactive, self-guided program for the joint post-processing of bibliographic citations from the federal information centers of the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is described. The program, presently installed on the Intelligent Gateway Processor of the…

Administrators in an Alabama school district found that purchasing their own data processing equipment was a better buy than the public consortium they had been using to supply data processing needs. The system, its uses, and advantages are described. (MLF)

The EUDISED (European Documentation and Information System for Education) database is described in this document and proposals are made for extending the database to cover areas in addition to educational research projects. Mention is made of educational periodicals, audiovisual teaching aids, educational software, the periodical…

Designed to make computer users comfortable with both computers and user/reference manual instructions before they have hands-on training, this primer is an introduction to computer concepts, devices, and terms. Common questions related to learning about data processing are addressed, and the following topics are covered: captured data; reports;…

Argues that the increasing importance of database management systems (DBMS) and recognition of the information dependency of business planning are creating new job opportunities for librarians/information technicians. Highlights include development and functions of DBMSs, data and database administration, potential for librarians, and implications…

Decision support systems integrate information from multiple data sources, both internal and external, to produce concise analytic reports for both decision making and planning. The administrator requiring information for decision making is usually not concerned with daily, detailed changes, but rather with aggregated numbers, from fixed points in…

This composite report provides summaries of presentations by 10 experts at the 23rd Annual Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing in April 1986 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. All were concerned with the design of online systems to make them easier for library patrons to use. (Author/CDD)