Describes the design and development of the Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES), a microcomputer based system for in-house data files. The REFLES prototype is described in its test form, followed by presentation of the working environment, problems, and evaluation of the current version. Future possibilities of REFLES are also…

Proposes a microprocessor-based architecture that makes large use of parallelism both in processing and in retrieval operations. The proposed system consists of three functional blocks: the query processor, simple query executers, and the answer composer. Twenty-one references are listed. (FM)

Discusses the potential of recent work in artificial intelligence, especially expert systems, for the development of more effective information retrieval systems. Highlights include the role of an expert bibliographic retrieval system and a prototype expert retrieval system, PROBIB-2, that uses MicroProlog to provide deductive reasoning…

This in-depth look at database management systems (DBMS) for microcomputers covers data entry, information retrieval, security, DBMS software and design, and downloading of literature search results. The advantages of in-house systems versus online search vendors are discussed, and specifications of three software packages and 14 sources are…

Discussion of how moving image documents (MID)--i.e., film, videotape, and videodisc--can be described for information retrieval highlights the Image Structure Information System (ISIS) project. This project elaborated a definition of abstract suitable for MID and constructed a microcomputer environment that selects elements useful for access and…

Outlines an efficient approach to performing query resolution which, when matched with a keyword scanner, offers rapid selecting and routing for massive Boolean queries, and which is suitable for implementation on a desktop computer. Demonstrates the system's operation with large examples in a practical setting. (AEF)

Describes the simulation of a nearest neighbor searching algorithm for document retrieval using a pool of microprocessors. Three techniques are described which allow parallel searching of a binary search tree as well as a PASCAL-based system, PASSIM, which can simulate these techniques. Fifty-six references are provided. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the characteristics of information retrieval software and examines several capabilities of two systems, SIRE and ZyINDEX--creating a database, indexing the database, maintaining the database, and searching the database. Each system's strengths and weaknesses in bibliographic record and full text applications are analyzed. A glossary is…

This document contains abstracts of papers on database design and management which were presented at the 1986 mid-year meeting of the American Society for Information Science (ASIS). Topics considered include: knowledge representation in a bilingual art history database; proprietary database design; relational database design; in-house databases;…

InfoQUEST is a microcomputer-based online public access catalog, designed for the small library handling file sizes up to 25,000 records. Based on the IBM-PC, or compatible machines, the system will accept downloading, in batch mode, of records from the library's file on the UTLAS Catalog Support System. (Author/EJS)

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…

Introduction to use of compact disk technology for storing digital data highlights history, background, and developments; technical features; standardization issues; current CD ROM applications; and the market for CD products. A production diagram, a sampling of CD manufacturers and disk replicators, and performance comparison of three storage…

Provides a detailed description of the microcomputer hardware and software used by the Euronet-Diane Launch Team for automating a number of functions associated with online searching. Background, login procedures, program architecture, maintenance problems, comments on lessons learned, and suggestions for avoiding difficulties with this type of…

This paper describes the range and scope of various information databases available for technicians, researchers, and managers employed in forestry and the forest products industry. Availability of information on reports of field and laboratory research, business trends, product prices, and company profiles through national distributors of…

Description of database management systems for microcomputers highlights system features and factors to consider in microcomputer system selection. A method for ranking database management systems is explained and applied to a defined need, i.e., software support for indexing a weekly newspaper. A glossary of terms and 32-item bibliography are…