Discusses the information explosion as it relates to the emergence of the information handling capability explosion, or the use of computer technology, citing library network online databases as evidences of information control. (EJS)

Reviews the development of online systems in science and technology from batch searching through the advent of multinational online services, describes the key technological components, and discusses the economics of online systems. (Author/FM)

Discusses changing telecommunications environment and effect these changes might have on information systems design. Major telecommunications factors and trends reviewed are classified as technical (application of computer technologies to classical telecommunications problems), economic, and regulatory policy related (divestiture of American…

Reviews the state of the art in online access and possible future directions it might take, with emphasis on prospects (technological, economic, policy, and political) for the availability and benefits of online access in developing countries. Information technology, telecommunications, and local versus remote facilities are highlighted. Three…

User perception of data importance and the economic feasibility of hardware and storage devices will determine the future direction of online systems. A retrieval system's functions are ultimately dictated by database design. Early online sytems were designed for bibliographic information limited to citations only using sequential files. When…

Describes applications of new technology to information handling on the basis of two trends--the miniaturization of electronic circuits and the shift from analog to digital modes of communication. Information technologies discussed are microcomputers, word processors, telecommunications, storage technologies, databases, videotex, and teletext.…

Discussion of information needs of rural areas and impact of computer technology on information dissemination focuses on information sources and services--the public or tax-supported sector (federal, state, and local agencies); the private sector (mass media). Computer technology in agriculture based on interactive computer systems, videotex, and…

This progress report covers a two-year project which is part of a program that is exploring the value of computer aids in augmenting human intellectual capability. The background and nature of the program, its resources, and the activities it has undertaken are outlined. User experience in applying augmentation tools and techniques to various…

Predictions of the effect of technological change on society in the home, the workplace, and in public and academic libraries in the future are presented. Topics discussed include the problem of inaccurate data, access to information, videodisc technology, "telematics" (the combining of computer technology and telecommunications), cable…

Outlines the technological evolution and the use of computers and telecommunications in information transactions and data storage. (CWM)

An attempt is made to provide a comprehensive guide to design of the dialogues between man and computer that take place at computer terminals. Particular topics include problems with conventional alphanumeric dialogues, dialogues with sound and graphics, pyschological characteristics of computer terminal users, problems of designing dialogues for…

A global survey of new technologies providing opportunities for delivery of the world's knowledge directly to the home and office is presented, along with the organizations now using them, including the French and British videotext systems, the U.S. electronic newspapers, and the computer-assisted video disc. (Author/MLW)

Included in this thorough overview of the probable future developments in videodisc technology and its role as an educational medium are (1) a review of current educational technology literature on videodiscs, which summarizes a U.S. Navy Delphi Study of videodisc technology use through 1986, discusses a National Institute of Education (NIE) study…

This article provides a historical survey of computing in academe from scientific- and engineering-oriented batch computing through contemporary student use of personal computers in a wide range of disciplines. The transition from batch-style, through timesharing, to distributed computing using stand-alone microcomputers in conjunction with…

An on-line information system was designed and implemented in an elementary school using a time-sharing DEC-15 computer system to facilitate the management of individualized instruction. The system stores students' background information, test data, and instructional tasks. Teachers and researchers were able to retrieve desired data using either…