The launch of HealthCare.gov, the website of the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare), was a major public relations disaster for the Obama administration. This case examines some of the factors that contributed to the failure of the launch and then details how Optum, an information technology service provider, considered the opportunity provided by…

The "cyberinfrastucture" is a broad informational network that entails connections to real-time data sensors as well as tools that permit visualization and other forms of analysis, and that facilitates access to vast scientific databases. This multifaceted network, already a major boon to scientific discovery, now shows exceptional promise in…

Discussion of information needs in a business environment focuses on how to build a shared information network. Highlights include the evolution of corporate intelligence systems; results of a survey that examined the information networking needs of large corporations; and a case study of the development of an information network at Citibank N.A.…

This report describes "AppleLink," a communications system used by Apple employees, which combines an electronic mail system, bulletin boards, and databases. The development of AppleLink from the pilot project stage is described, and the basic functions and features of the system are detailed. Suggestions are made for the use of a…

Presents a model of some of the typical important layers in the design of information systems, and shows how those layers interact in operation. Suggests that these layers are in the way of a cascade of each layer affecting the next. Presents a model of this cascade of interactions in information systems. Provides examples from networked…

Presents abstracts of SIG Sessions. Highlights include digital collections; information retrieval methods; public interest/fair use; classification and indexing; electronic publication; funding; globalization; information technology projects; interface design; networking in developing countries; metadata; multilingual databases; networked…

The University of Tennessee's coordinated Faculty Interests/Funding Opportunities database system comprises statewide computer networking facilities, information from many sources, results of annual surveys, over 50 relational database files and software, and software applications. The system allows matching of information on funding opportunities…

Describes the Mercury Electronic Library, a project at Carnegie Mellon University that involved development of software for an electronic library, implementation of the software by the university libraries, and stimulation of the market for electronic publishing. The library information system interface and databases and the computing system…

This guide to proposed microcomputer systems and their applications for training institutions in developing countries discusses the development of such systems and recommends hardware and computer software configurations for typical training applications. Arguing that the microcomputer should be used for greater personal and institutional…

Describes two phases of the automation of library and information services in mainland China. From 1974-86, much effort was concentrated on developing computer systems, databases, online retrieval, and networking. From 1986 to the present, practical progress became possible largely because of CD-ROM technology; and large scale networking for…

Discusses a project at Bank Street College called "Earth Lab: A Network for Young Scientists." Explores how the use of a local area network might alter the academic environment in which students work. Reviews student databases, teacher-made databases, online databases, and electronic mail. (MVL)

Describes the Eastern Oregon Information Network (EOIN) that was developed to provide off-campus students with dial-in remote access to CD-ROM indexes, an interlibrary loan network module, and an electronic mail system. A sidebar, "Making Remote Access Happen--A Developer's View" (Kenneth Girrard) is included. (EAM)

Three articles discuss the second online library system at the University of Hawaii at Manoa--the CARL (Colorado Alliance for Research Libraries) System. Topics addressed include an overview of the system; development of a Windows-based CARL cataloging workstation; and incorporating digitized images in the online public access catalog. (EA)

The Electronic Campus system of Northwest Missouri State University (Maryville) links every office and residence hall room on campus. It also networks these offices and rooms with databases and software applications. The system was developed to provide a low-cost alternative for a public institution where most students could not afford to purchase…

The rapid adoption of information technology and ubiquitous networking has transformed the research and education landscape. Central to this transformation are scientific and engineering digital data collections. The life cycle management challenges associated with these intellectual assets are substantial. This is a report of a two-day workshop…