Discusses the new languages and software packages that make up data base management systems, outlines the characteristics of the systems, and examines the benefits claimed for them. (IRT)

Discusses digital imaging technology and examines document database conversion considerations. Two types of document imaging systems are described: (1) a work in process system, and (2) a storage and retrieval system. Conversion methodology is outlined, and a document conversion scenario is presented as a practical guide to conversion. (LRW)

Both accidental and intentional events may compromise the security of an electronic data processing system. Ways of assessing security needs are surveyed, and measures that can be taken to prevent, detect, and recover from security breaches are described. (Author/LBH)

The purpose of this article is to describe a system for protecting the anonymity of subjects in longitudinal research and for maintaining the security of data files. The basic system comes from the American Council on Education Cooperative Institutional Research Program. Data is collected from questionnaires, and converted to magnetic tape.…

A pressing and recurrent problem in developing curriculum material is the unnecessary duplication of work done by others; to avoid this, the nine-campus University of California has established a computer data base containing information on all courses and programs being currently offered by the school. (JD)

Describes applications of new technology to information handling on the basis of two trends--the miniaturization of electronic circuits and the shift from analog to digital modes of communication. Information technologies discussed are microcomputers, word processors, telecommunications, storage technologies, databases, videotex, and teletext.…

Three computer-based scientific bibliographic retrieval systems were evaluated for cleanness (consistency and internal duplication), comprehensiveness, timeliness, and costs. The appropriateness of using one or more of these data bases was found to depend upon the objectives of the end-user. (MA)

Describes three commercial, numeric databases that are available in microcomputer diskette format: Micro/Scan Disclosure; Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates World Economic Service; and Trinet's Survey of Commercial Buying Power. Advantages and disadvantages of the diskette format, search strategies, and a selected list of eight suppliers…

Response time in large, inverted file document retrieval systems is determined by time required to access files of document identifiers on disk and process a Boolean search request. A specialized computer system has been devised that can perform a complicated sample search involving 70 terms and over 60,000 document references 12 to 60 times…

This article presents a brief history of the videodisc and describes three major current manifestations of this storage medium--read-only, write-once, erasable. The current status of write-once technology, major corporations involved in the field, potential uses for various types of storage media, and software and market trends are highlighted.…

This collection of three monographs focuses on the development of computerized student and personnel recordkeeping systems. Descriptions of three different computerized systems are presented. The first monograph describes the efforts of the School of Education at Florida International University to overcome problems related to the management of…

Considers several systems automating local departmental-based data facilities. Describes design and implementation of a simple system. Concludes by reflecting on changes needed in the system. (Author/CK)

The report describes an experimental study involving an on-line placement system in Boulder, Colorado which permitted applicants to request information from a terminal on any job stored in the computer. Data were collected on applicants referred by the Employment Service: whether or not hired, reason for not being hired if not hired, applicant…

This article defines three separate categories of microcomputers--personal, desk-top, multi-user devices--and relates storage capabilities (expandability, floppy disks) to library applications. Highlghts include de facto standards, operating systems, database management systems, applications software, circulation control systems, dumb and…

InfoTrac is a laserdisc system that provides local computer-access to Information Access Company's periodical databases and offers libraries an extensive, self-contained reference system. The system, which employs an IBM PC microcomputer, a Hewlett-Packard Thinkjet printer, and a Pioneer videodisc player, provides advantages of online searching at…