GreatSchools.org neatly ranks more than 136,000 traditional public, private, and charter schools nationwide on a scale of 1 to 10, based on state test scores. But what often draws readers are the gossipy insider comments posted by parents, students, and teachers, and the star ratings those commenters contribute. The growth of online school rating…

Reviews current applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and suggests that industry can use such systems to aid in decision making. The discussion covers factors that will influence future use of GIS, potential uses of GIS in the private sector, and the need to develop an integrated GIS. (CLB)

The University Information Center has transformed data retrieval and reporting from a slow process performed by high-priced technical personnel to an instantaneous service performed by those who need and can define the service required. The result at Indiana University has been improved quality of computing. (Author/MLW)

The approach to designing decision support systems for academic library management which is described explores online retrieval of profiles of user productivity, resource utilization, and resource availability. Database models, implementation considerations, database management systems, a sample application, and supplementing manager's judgement…

Reports on emergence of decision support system (DSS) as a practical approach for applying computers and information to problems facing management. Information processing and decision making in organizations, simulation-model-based DSS in management of library resource sharing networks, and a resource-sharing simulation system are highlighted.…

Decision support systems integrate information from multiple data sources, both internal and external, to produce concise analytic reports for both decision making and planning. The administrator requiring information for decision making is usually not concerned with daily, detailed changes, but rather with aggregated numbers, from fixed points in…