The silo is a well-worn metaphor in information systems used to illustrate separateness, isolation, and lack of connectivity. Through the many iterations of system development, libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) have sought to avoid silos and find the sweet spot between interface design and metadata interoperability. This effort is being…

With a view to obtaining a set of standard times for information system operations, Aslib Research Department is developing and testing methods for collecting and analysing data on the time taken to perform certain operations. The current state of development of these methods is described. (2 references) (Author/NH)

This paper presents a philosophical statement on the problem of data comparability. The discussion is intended to provide guidance in determining the direction of the information exchange procedures project of the NCHEMS (National Center for Higher Education Management Systems) at WICHE (Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education).…

The information needed for informed decision making and planning by institutions of higher education can be made available through the establishment of carefully constructed databases. This handbook outlines the characteristics of databases, the needs databases meet, the key factors around which they must be organized, the advantages they offer,…

In the face of more sophisticated data collection technology, California voters have demonstrated an increasing concern about their own privacy. In response, Assemblyman Cullen has proposed a bill to the state legislature which would require anyone opening an automated information system to send notice to the Secretary of State. This notice would…

Descriptions are given for the 164 computerized files that comprise the Texas Natural Resources Information System (TNRIS). The system provides natural resources information to federal, state, regional, and local and private entities. File descriptions are organized under the following data and information content areas: (1) base data, (2)…

One of four projects conducted by the American Statistical Association (ASA) in cooperation with the Bureau of the Census, the conference explored the most important and fruitful research and development topics within the user-oriented software domain. Its objectives were to (1) develop recommendations on mechanisms to improve access to and use of…

Many international standards have been developed to aid information transfer and feedback, but they must be updated and promoted. International Organization for Standards (ISO) technical committees dealing with terminology, documentation, and information processing have several programs designed to meet this need. Catalogs, indexes, and…

The Information Exchange Procedures (IEP) developed by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) are a set of standard definitions and procedures for collecting information about disciplines and student degree programs, outcomes of instructional programs, and general institutional characteristics. These definitions and…

Examines the expansion of data services in Western Europe after the computer revolution. Stresses that distinctive career lines and eventually a distinctive profession must be created to cope with the proliferation of data and the increase in demand for access to this data. (Author/DB)

A preliminary plan is presented for the selection, acquisition, intellectual organization, and storage of the information which will underlie the Information Services Operation of the National Standard Reference Data System, as well as for methods of locating desired information items in storage, retrieving, and displaying or communicating them.…

This paper proposes concepts for the data inputs and informational outputs for the Instructional Support System for Occupational Education (ISSOE), which is a subsystem of the Comprehensive Instructional Management System for Occupational Education (CIMS/OE) currently being developed by the New York State Education Department for the purpose of…

This manual describes information processing procedures for Museum Computer Network (MCN) systems. The first section contains general rules for preparation of input: conventions for all data; conventions for controlling the appearance of output; conventions for automatic sorting of data; conventions for user specified sorting of data; and…

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…

Written for Migrant Student Records Transfer System (MSRTS) specialists, this manual provides information to help them generate, translate, interpret, use, and update a migrant child's educational record. The manual serves as a reference to be used in conjunction with the National MSRTS User's Manual and as initial orientation and subsequent guide…