Ten microcomputer applications produced by one quarter-time employee of a state social services department impacted on the organization's structure and operations. Concerning information handling, the microcomputer improved efficiency, but not quality of the system. Although user developed microcomputer applications may not be ideal for…

A study investigated the use of automated office equipment and microcomputers by Fortune 500 managers. A vast majority indicated a use for their correspondence, but a minority use a personal computer for their own work. Spreadsheets were the most frequently used application. (JOW)

Reviews the research that led to the development of a hierarchic scheme of terms with vocabulary control features, called Classaurus, and describes a project aimed at writing software that could be used for the automatic generation of an online alphabetic Classaurus. The problems encountered are discussed and suggestions for further research are…

Reports the results of a survey of OCLC member libraries that queried their ownership and use of microcomputers, CD-ROMs, and FAX machines. The findings discussed include general uses of microcomputers, the top 10 CD-ROM products, brands of CD-ROM drives used, patron access to CD-ROM, future purchase plans for CD-ROM products, and ownership of FAX…

Summarizes responses from an international survey of automated library system vendors who offer integrated, multi-user, multi-function systems running on mainframes, minis, and micros using multi-user operating systems. Companies were questioned about their computer systems, products, customers, staff, and sales figures. A comparative analysis of…

Identifies types and distributions of errors in text produced by optical character recognition (OCR) and proposes a process using machine learning techniques to recognize and correct errors in OCR texts. Results of experiments indicating that this strategy can reduce human interaction required for error correction are reported. (25 references)…

This report develops a model of a personal computer network for office use from the standpoint of the end user. A network designed for personal computers is differentiated from personal computers which must be attached to an existing communications system. Three types of the latter networks are discussed: (1) networks which connect personal…

Extension leadership articulated several broad goals for the use of microcomputers within cooperative extension. These included providing information, service to clients, office automation, and enhancement of the educational process. A questionnaire was administered regarding microcomputer use within Washington State University County Cooperative…

Recommends the use of microcomputers for computer-assisted indexing; describes five case studies; and provides a list of representative software programs including title, producer, compatible hardware, price, and a short description. (EM)

Decision-making framework proposed for librarians making automation decisions for their libraries is composed of hierarchically related levels: library functions; services and products; activities; resource components; and measures of costs, performance, attributes, and effectiveness. An economic model based on this framework is used to determine…

Presents 1992 sales of microcomputer systems by vendor. Customer support services, a new interchange format for MARC records, vendor market share and other statistics, foreign sales, and large and small systems are discussed. Profiles of 14 vendors, a chart of compatible system interfaces by vendor, and a directory of microcomputers sources are…

Curriculum administration and evaluation require specific information on such curriculum components as content, time, teaching methodology, materials, evaluation, and scheduling. Without such information, planning, coordination, resources allocation, and other decision-making activities are severely handicapped. Furthermore, evaluation of the…

Describes a project in which graduate students with knowledge engineering experience used five different microcomputer-based shells to build a prototype application of an expert system to assist library patrons with business reference questions. The strengths and weaknesses of each product are discussed and compared. (seven references) (CLB)

Analyzes trends in the library automation marketplace. Market shares for online vendors are examined in terms of total installations, academic libraries, public libraries, revenues, differently sized systems, and foreign installations. Hardware availability, operating systems, and interfaces with MARC are also discussed for each vendor. A source…

Reports results of the 1994 Automated System Marketplace survey based on responses from 60 vendors. Highlights include changes in the library automation marketplace; estimated library systems revenues; minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems; marketplace trends; global markets and mergers; research needs; new purchase processes; and profiles…