The history, purpose, and operation of six computer-based information networks are described in general and nontechnical terms. In the introduction the many definitions of an information network are explored. Ohio College Library Center's network (OCLC) is the first example. OCLC began in 1963, and since early 1973 has been extending its services…

The three documents contained in this report describe an interactive retrieval language implemented for the IBM 360/67 of the Campus Faculty at Stanford University, between October 1969 and May 1970. The three reports are: (1) DIRAC--An Interactive Retrieval Language with Computational Interface, (2) DIRAC--An Overview of an Interactive Retrieval…

Discusses an open-ended, generalized programing system which eliminates the duplication of effort and materials in data collection, storage, and reporting that is common in most piecemeal-evolved current management systems. (DE)

This is the third in a series of eight reports of a research study for the National Agricultural Library (NAL) on the effective utilization of bibliographic data bases in machine-readable form. It consists of about 750 references collected to provide background data for the seven technical tasks of the study. The bibliography is set up to…

This review of research and development work deals with activities specifically related to digital legal deposit. An overview of research activity in the various stages of the deposit process-particularly in digital preservation-follows. Building the infrastructure and pilot depositories are discussed. Issues that are not currently being addressed…

As established within the framework of the UNISIST world science information system, the International Serials Data System (ISDS) is an international network of operational national and regional centers, jointly responsible for the creation and maintenance of computer based data banks, which contain essential information for the identification of…

In terms of examples drawn from clinical and research data files, one of the objectives of this study is to illustrate several factors that have combined to delay the implementation of medical data bases. A primary factor has been inherent in the design of computer software. The languages currently on the market are procedural in nature: they…

The expanding networks of computer hardware, software, and organizations for controlling them and the institutional data bases they access are described. Improvements are making the data sources accessible but raise some new problems for data managers and institutional researchers. (Author/LBH)

A generalized file-conversion program suite for the EUDISED (European Documentation and Information System for Education) information network, suitable for running on a wide range of mainframe computers, is suggested and described. Time and expenditures required to implement the system are assessed. Two other possible methods of handling the data…

Proposes an intra-institutional "Center of Institutional Research" and discusses the possible contribution of such a center toward achievement of an efficient educational data system. (DE)

Discusses the need of developing countries to set up local databases and exchange information; outlines Unesco General Information Programme's role in this context; describes a specific Unesco program to help member states acquire and use microcomputer software; reviews criteria for software selection; and describes the program's implementation…

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system and the ERIC Processing and Reference Facility are briefly discussed as introductory and background material to this paper on the technical and managerial aspects of operating an information processing center. The following topics are covered under the subject of managing the ERIC data…

In 1982 a study was conducted to analyze educational software information currently available to Canadian educators and to develop a plan for effectively collecting, organizing, and disseminating courseware information in the future. The teachers, students, librarians, educational resource personnel, and administrators included in the study…

This paper provides a brief history of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), as well as an overview of the present status of the ERIC system, i.e., its management, technical operations, current products and services, current plans, and projected new activities. After an account of the legislative mandate that resulted in the…

Recent technological advances in computers and communications make possible the integration of data systems and the exchange of data among them on an expanding scale. However, the full effect of these advances cannot be realized unless the need for uniform understanding of the common information (data elements) and its expression in data systems…