Examines novel computer filing systems which have particular application to office information storage and retrieval requirements. A variety of filing systems and their major characteristics are reviewed, ranging from network-based file servers to digital image storage and retrieval systems. Desirable characteristics of a modern electronic office…

Describes the creation and development of a biomedical information system that includes a machine-readable data base containing clinical and research data and a publication entitled the Index-Handbook of Ototoxic Agents. (Author)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a combination of maps and databases that provides geographical information not otherwise possible. The result of combining street data and geographic data is a precision map showing exact street locations. GIS can be used by delivery people, emergency vehicles, and taxicabs. (JOW)

Computer based information search services, ISS's, of the type that provide on-line literature searches are analyzed from a system's viewpoint using a continuous simulation model. The analysis shows that the observed growth and stagnation of a typical ISS can be explained as a natural consequence of market responses to the service together with a…

Examines usage patterns of ELHILL retrieval program of National Library of Medicine's MEDLARS system. Based on sample of 6,759 searches, the study analyzes frequency of various commands, classifies messages issued by system, and investigates searcher error rates. Suggestions for redesigning program and query language are noted. Seven references…

The costs of creating and maintaining permanent files and retrieving keyword title indexes in TRIAL (Technique for Retrieving Information from Abstracts of Literature) are presented. This system, which is used for bibliographic control and file efficiency, is relatively easy to learn and use, and popular with school, academic, business, and…

Discussion of data storage technology for multimedia materials highlights a new signature file method that divides files into variable-sized vertical frames to optimize response time using partial query evaluation. Real data experiments that tested the response time are reported, and future work is discussed. (Author/LRW)

The Hepatitis Knowledge Base (text of prototype information system) was used for modifying and testing "A Navigator of Natural Language Organized (Textual) Data" (ANNOD), a retrieval system which combines probabilistic, linguistic, and empirical means to rank individual paragraphs of full text for similarity to natural language queries…

Presents analysis of online search patterns within user searching sessions of National Library of Medicine ELHILL system and examines user search patterns on the CATLINE database. Data previously analyzed on MEDLINE database for same period is used to compare the performance parameters of different databases within the same information system.…

This investigation of search patterns associated with the MEDLINE database had four primary objectives: (1) to refine the stochastic process method of evaluating user behavior; (2) to examine user search behavior exhibited when selecting documents sets; (3) to identify factors that affect the patterns of user behavior; and (4) to use data from the…

This report analyzes file development efforts of the Resource and Referral Service project to determine the feasibility of computerizing a database of information on educational resource organizations. Background information on the project is presented in the introduction. The report describes present policies, identifies factors affecting…

Studies the performance of probabilistic information retrieval systems using differing statistical dependence assumptions when estimating the probabilities inherent in the retrieval model. Experimental results using the Bahadur Lazarsfeld expansion on the Cystic Fibrosis database are discussed that suggest that incorporating term dependence…

Based on data gathered from a number of complementary sources, this study provides a detailed descriptive analysis of both the direct and indirect costs incurred by the Federal government in operating the ERIC system, and the user population and user demand for ERIC products and services. Data sources included a survey of ERIC's U.S. intermediate…

Discusses online systems and databases that contain information on Japanese business and economic activity. A reference chart provides the name, address, coverage dates, and costs of major online sources. (CLB)

Describes the development of a bibliographic information system designed to assist architecture/engineering firms under contract to the Army Corps of Engineers in locating regulations or guidelines for the planning, design, or construction of army facilities. A sample search of the system is appended. (Author/CLB)