The academic world must take seriously recent progress in computerized legal information systems and push hard for reduction of costs of such a system. Cooperative efforts of all groups concerned is essential. (Journal availability: Sweet & Maxwell Ltd., 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE, one pound fifty pence.) (MSE)

Outlines design of an open computer system that relies on distributed computing for collection and storage of data from very large samples. Purpose of the system is to provide a base of reliable data for assessing impact of technology on delivery of educational materials. The system consists of an open instrument that generates student forms, an…

Information culled from the literature and from the author's experience on criteria for selecting on-line computerized bibliographic services covers user needs, hardware (terminals), transmission, system and vendor, data bases, search strategy and evaluation measures, and user-system interface. (LS)

The Language Information Network and Clearinghouse System (LINCS) Project of the Center for Applied Linguistics was designed to be a formal, adaptive network of individuals and organizations whose objective is to facilitate the transfer of scientific information within the language science community. It is intended to improve on formal channels of…

A computerized student record system with a testing system that allows schools to fully utilize testing data is being developed at Oakland Schools in Pontiac, Michigan. Test data are integrated with a tremendous amount of other information. Designed for flexibility, up to 1200 items can be stored within a student record for each test…

The data center and the user offices at a public university have a responsibility to maintain security and to protect the privacy of the individuals whose data they process. This persists even though much personal data are accessible in libraries. How to identify "private" data, what security precautions to take to protect these data…

CAIN is the computer cataloging and indexing system of the National Agricultural Library, a collection of information on agriculture and its related technologies. In this report is described the structure of the CAIN system and the various uses of the CAIN data bases. (WH)

The computerized data base on community organizations of Monroe County Public Library, Indiana is described. (KP)

Describes use of a database management system (dBASE II, produced by Ashton-Tate), noting best features and disadvantages. Highlights include data entry, multiple access points available, training requirements, use of dBASE for a bibliographic application, auxiliary software, and dBASE updates. Sample searches, auxiliary programs, and requirements…

Lists computer programs selected on basis of following criteria: (1) applicability or easy adaptability to academic or research library environment; (2) operative on three microcomputer brands found in academic and research libraries; (3) good or excellent reviews appearing in software magazines; (4) price ranging from $50-$350. Vendor addresses…

Describes method of generating Electronic Yellow Pages mailing labels using DIALOG commands which involve downloading to disk and interposing a BASIC language program between disk and printer. Downloading problems (accession numbers, "tic" which DIALOG provides, line noise), two versions of program (full, compressed), and output examples…

This overview of local library online systems that integrate several functions covers functional integration, benefits of integrated systems, turnkey systems, minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems, interfacing automated systems, types of interfaces, linking homogenous and heterogeneous systems, role of vendors, library applications, linking…

A computer-based curriculum database was developed at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine to provide curriculum planners with accurate information on what was being taught, who was teaching, and where in the curriculum subjects were being taught. Problems of curriculum overlap, integration, and correlation are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Describes applications in variety of settings of videodiscs as tools of information retrieval with online databases, identifies underlying technical capabilities, and discusses five operations required to implement any application: coordinating diverse formats; indexing; physically arranging items on disc; designing input, search, and output;…

Describes in detail the system by which the American Institute of Physics produces primary journals, a database of secondary information, and secondary information products through multiple use of originally input material in order to realize savings. Uses for the data, work flow, and file structure and conversion are highlighted. (EJS)