Describes an approach to the creation and use of a database for generating training or instructional materials. Eight steps in creating a database are presented, database management programs are discussed, and use of the database to create lesson plans, tests, study guides, and other products is explained. (LRW)

Three principles of classification are stressed in the development of electronic dental patient records and clinical databases: (1) the classification must have a suitable organizing principle; (2) use must be made of standard terminology; and (3) there must be standard operational criteria. (DB)

Presents guidelines for effective online searching developed over the last 20 years. Areas covered by the guidelines include preplanning, database selection, cost-effective search techniques, searching for names, awareness of differences between databases and systems, matching search strategies to databases, postsearch routines, and the…

Outlines some of the major considerations in developing an image database system with an emphasis on continuous tone images and network-accessible multiuser databases. Topics include: definition/description of a digital image; matching technology to use; documentation/standards; access; image quality; software systems; scanners; and sources of…

The personal computer is a valuable tool for school business officials. Useful software programs for day-to-day tasks include spreadsheets, word processing, and database. Figures give an example of a spreadsheet output and the formula used in each calculation. (MLF)

This booklet is an instruction manual for those using the FOCUS database, an information source on dropout prevention of the National Dropout Prevention Center. An introduction lists the FOCUS files, which include Program Profiles, Calendar of Events, Resource Materials Library, Organizations, and Consultants and Speakers. Also given is the…

This guide is designed for school and district administrators and teachers who want to use data to improve their schools, for college and university instructors who teach school administrators, and for support personnel who teach graduate-level education courses. The guide explains how to define the scope of a needed database, how to ready the…

This document contains a set of materials to help technical colleges preparing for an accreditation visit. Although the details come from the Wisconsin Technical College System and pertain to the North Central Association (NCA), they can be modified to fit the circumstances of technical colleges in other states and in other regional accrediting…

General and special purpose database programs are appropriate for inventory control at the school building level. A fixed asset equipment inventory example illustrates the feasibility of computerized inventory control. (MLF)

Much of what librarians do today requires adeptness in creating and manipulating databases. Many new computers bought by libraries every year come packaged with Microsoft Office and include Microsoft Access. This database program features a seamless interface between Microsoft Office's other programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This book…

This introduction to the characteristics of software for CD-ROM describes programs used to format and create data stored on the disk, as well as retrieval programs. Criteria that need to be considered when evaluating CD-ROM software are discussed, including retrieval strategies (browsing vs. keyword searching), interfaces, index and file…

The formats of the school budget and annual financial report are usually prescribed by state regulations. Creative use of data already collected for other purposes will give meaning to a district's financial story. Lists recommended tables for the statistical section of a comprehensive annual financial report. (MLF)

A school psychologist describes the experience of designing a database management system to keep daily records of services provided to students and parents. Information in the database included: dates, type of service, and time spent. A system such as this provides instant access to accountability data. How to create and maintain the database is…

This book provides guidelines for evaluating a variety of database types, including abstracting and indexing, directory, full-text, and page-image databases available in online and/or CD-ROM formats. The book discusses the purpose and techniques of comparing and evaluating the most important characteristics of textual databases, such as their…

Outlines the steps involved in the development of a CD-ROM product. Areas discussed include user requirements definition, delivery systems definition, database design, application design and development, data capture, data conversion program design and development, data conversion and enhancement, data indexing, system integration and evaluation,…