Explores issues arising from the massive social changes that will flow from the recently emerged information age to define a new approach to systems design. This approach will allow the creation of a better future while enhancing human performance, adding value to organizations, and creating just and ethical systems. (Contains 32 references.) (KRN)

Discussion of user-relevance judgments in information retrieval focuses on findings from four separate studies of relevance judgments by 55 users conducting their initial online search on a particular information problem. Highlights include a theoretical framework, models of relevance, and implications for information-retrieval system design and…

This paper, which updates and expands on the first edition (1981), begins by presenting a definition of instructional development (ID) and a discussion of its origins. A taxonomy for classifying ID models is then suggested, and it is noted that most ID models have been subjected to only a limited degree of testing. The 12 ID models that are…

The use of general systems theory in the field of instructional systems design (ISD) is explored in this paper. Drawing on work by Young, the writings of 12 representative ISD writers and researchers were surveyed to determine the use of 60 general systems theory concepts by the individual authors. The average number of concepts used by these…

This paper, which updates and expands on a paper by Twelker and others that identified and described five instructional development (ID) models, presents a taxonomy for classifying ID models, comments on the limited degree of testing to which most ID models have been subjected, reviews 13 models, and provides a selected, annotated bibliography of…

One of the responsibilities of the National Science Foundation (NSF) is to support the effective dissemination of scientific information. The performance of this responsibility requires NSF to evaluate alternative information systems/services which are proposed for this purpose. This responsibility necessitates making decisions which are similar…

The paper provides the basic concepts and structure of an evaluative-management information system that meets the needs of vocational rehabilitation program and project managers and allows inter- and intra-program and project comparisons. Cost-benefit analysis has not (1) provided managers with relevant information upon which to base their…

Planning and management systems for colleges should be tailor-made to fit each particular college. The approach suggested here is flexible so that it can be adapted to individual circumstances in a variety of colleges. What is being suggested is an approach to planning rather than a technique. The approach results in two types of output documents:…

The Management, Administrative Profile System (MAPS) was developed to permit assessment of a college on three levels. The detailed discussion of each level is preceded by a general process model which identifies the specific instrumentation, available options, and the major action steps associated with a particular level of assessment. Level "A"…

The long-term goal of this investigation is to design and establish a national model for a system of library statistical data. This is a report on The Preliminary Study which was carried out over an 11-month period ending May, 1969. The objective of The Preliminary Study was to design and delimit The Research Investigation in the most efficient…

An effort to develop a classification of various kinds of disadvantegement is aimed at the efficiency that can be gained by providing only those services to those clients who can use them in order to increase their chances of successful placement. The report details some of the elements of the recommended approach: analysis of manpower situations…

The work reported here is the second stage of a study initially reported in Aslib Occasional Publication no. 3 (The Use of Bibliographic Records in Libraries, by P.A. Thomas and H. East). The earlier paper reported on an analysis of procedures for classification of processes, applicable to all types of libraries, and a statement of what data…

This comprehensive 1-year study of California's correctional system by a system task force was intended to: (1) describe the current correctional system in California from adjudication or sentence to dismissal, (2) develop the most efficient and effective, yet reasonably attainable, model for this system, and (3) prescribe and evaluate alternate…

Describes the philosophy of intelligent instructional systems and presents an example of such a system, BLOCKS. The notion of BLOCKS as a paradigmatic system is explicated from both the system development and educational points of view. (Author/VT)