The "Forum Guide to Metadata" presents and examines the ways in which metadata can be used by education agencies to improve data quality and promote a better understanding of education data. Supported by metadata-related case studies from state and local education agencies, the guide highlights the uses of metadata from a technical point…

The authors discuss the long-term accumulation of unstandardized and inaccessible content within the Libguides system and the decision-making process to create and implement a set of standards using the migration to the LibGuides2 platform as a vehicle for change. Included in the discussion are strategies for the creation of standards and…

Early education leaders--inside and outside of government--are looking for new ways to improve quality, accountability, and efficiency across many different programs serving young children and their families, and they see investment in data systems as a pivotal part of that effort. However, it can be challenging to develop and implement effective…

The purpose of this guide is to empower people to more effectively use data as information. To accomplish this, the publication explains what metadata are; why metadata are critical to the development of sound education data systems; what components comprise a metadata system; what value metadata bring to data management and use; and how to…

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)

This description of ways in which database management systems can be helpful in instructional media centers explains the basic terminology involved and how to plan, create, modify, maintain, and use databases. Examples provided include an equipment distributions form and the structure for a film/video rental database. (LRW)

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…

The process of maintaining mailing lists and other informational files on outdoor program participants is, plainly and simply, a pain in the neck. Mailing list maintenance is particularly difficult for programs that deal with university students, due to their frequent moves. This paper describes a new software program, the Outdoor Program Data…

This book is intended to help librarians and others to produce databases of better value and quality, especially if they have had little previous experience in database construction. Drawing upon almost 40 years of experience in the field of information retrieval, this book emphasizes basic principles and approaches rather than in-depth and…

Benchmarking is one of several alternate methods of performance evaluation, which is a key aspect in the selection of database systems. The purpose of this report is to provide a performance evaluation methodology, or benchmarking framework, to assist in the design and implementation of a wide variety of benchmark experiments. The methodology,…

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)

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)

Discusses advantages and limitations of database software in meeting the educational objectives of history instruction; reviews five currently available computer programs (FACTFILE, QUEST, QUARRY BANK 1851, Census Analysis, and Beta Base); highlights major considerations that arise in designing such programs; and describes their classroom use.…

Discusses resources and strategies that libraries can use to evaluate competing database management software for purchase. Needs assessments, types of software available, features of good software, evaluation aids, shareware, and marketing and product trends are covered. (KRN)

Discusses techniques for managing documents in wide area networks, reviews technique limitations, and offers recommendations to database designers. Presented techniques include: increasing bandwidth, reducing data traffic, synchronizing documentation, partial synchronization, audit trials, navigation, and distribution control and security. Two…