Information centers exist to provide information from machine-readable data bases to users in industry, universities and other organizations. The computer Search Center of the IIT Research Institute was designed with a number of variables and uncertainties before it. In this paper, the author discusses how the Center was designed to enable it to…

The Mechanized Information Center (MIC) at Ohio State University conducts retrospective and current awareness searches using data bases for agriculture, chemistry, education, psychology, and social sciences, as well as a multidisciplinary data base. Described in the report are the history and background of MIC, the data bases, information…

This document is the last of a series of eight reports of a project undertaken to (1) investigate the ways in which the National Agricultural Library (NAL) could utilize existing bibliographic data bases, (2) define the problems associated with efficient utulization of these data bases, and (3) develop approaches to solving these problems by…

A methodology for categorically describing computer-based information systems was developed and applied to six university-based, NSF-supported systems. The systems under study all operate as retail information cneters primarily serving campus communities by accessing large commercially-available data bases using 3rd generation computer…

The evolution of Petroleum Abstracts,'' which was started in 1961, is described. The various methods used for retrieving are discussed. (5 references) (SM)

Discussed is the reporting quandary at higher education institutions. These points are appraised: the clearinghouse function, data definitions, and the data base management function. The author warns against the suggestion that the institutional research office should assume the responsibility for all reports prepared by and departing from the…

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…

The Association of Information Dissemination Centers (ASIDIC) formed the Cooperative Data Management Committee to address the problems of information center operators and data base suppliers. The number of operating centers in the U.S. is limited and their future expansion in numbers and in type of services, will depend on the education of users.…

The Mechanized Information Center (MIC) at the Ohio State University conducts retrospective and current awareness searches for faculty, students, and staff using data bases for agriculture, chemistry, education, psychology, and social sciences, as well as a multidisciplinary data base. The final report includes (1) a description of the background…

The "Discredit" Bureau borrows some of the computerized information-processing techniques adopted by credit-reporting agencies and uses them in the interest of consumers to help them press complaints against suppliers and prospective employers. This is an additional service currently being incorporated into those already afforded by a…

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…

This collection of ten conference reports begins with "Historical Impact of Computers on the Operation of Libraries and Information Systems: A Personal Perspective" and is followed by "Tips on Computer Software: Advantages and Methods of Program Dissemination" and "BLOCS--A Unique Multi-Dimensional Approach to On-Line Circulation". Next, libraries…

A correlation between recall (the retrieval of all available relevant documents) and quantity of text which served as a source of index terms on input can reasonably be expected. Specifically, recall should decrease as the quantity of text serving as a source of index terms is restricted. On the other hand, the time for indexing and therefore the…

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…

"Coordinating Information for Texas Educators" (CITE) is a project of the Texas Education Agency designed to develop and coordinate a comprehensive communication program for elementary and secondary schools and to include an adequate resource base and linkage system. Project CITE was designed by Region XIX Education Service Center to…