Discusses technological developments causing changes in personal information systems: increase in commercial support services; proliferation of microcomputers; capability to download from secondary services into private files; and developing desire to utilize functions such as electronic mail and automated office functions. Appendices list 21…

This essay addresses access to information through the use of computer networking systems. Highlights include national commercial networks, bulletin board systems, cautionary notes on networking, the role of the public library in providing a link between the computer and the public, and maximizing access and efficiency through library services.…

The objective of this study was to gain enough familiarity with developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies to be able to advise the information service community on what can be applied today and what one might reasonably expect to be applicable to library and information services in the near future. The emphasis is on…

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…

Opportunities provided by computer technologies are considered from two perspectives: what they are enabling teachers and researchers to do and implications for the future. Processing information, opening access to the library, and coordinating telecommunications are discussed, including the University of California MELVYL system. (MLW)

This paper describes the development of textual information displays for home consumption on modified television receivers in Great Britain over the last few years, compares two systems in use there--Teletext and Viewdata--and discusses some future possibilities for such services in the U.S. as well as the U.K. British television equipment…

This summary of the combined Hearing and Workshop on Applications of Computer-Based Information Systems and Services in Agriculture (May 19-20, 1982) offers an overview of the ways in which information technology--computers, telecommunications, microforms, word processing, video and audio devices--may be utilized by American farmers and ranchers.…

The increased computer capability at the University of Chicago challenges its Computation Center to generate demand by making the expanded capacity available in a broader, more effective way than has been done in the past. The new computing services must be of reasonable comparable quality to alternatives, but offered at lower marginal costs. The…

It is argued that, with the emergence of new technologies, the traditional missions and "domains" of academic libraries and campus computing services need to be adjusted to support collaboration. Specific collaborative projects linked to strategic plans are recommended over forced mergers or overly ambitious multigoal projects. (MSE)

This study was conducted to assess the availability and use of scientific and technical information in Brazil, identify characteristics of information which are unique to developing nations, and help determine what technologies and policies would be most useful in improving resources available in the country. It concentrated on professionals who…

Two papers on library and information activities in developing nations, particularly in India and other Asian countries, were presented at the 1983 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference. In "IFLA in Asia: A Review of the Work of the Regional Section for Asia," Edward Lim Huck Tee (Malaysia) describes the low…

This report describes the development of a design and a small working model for a system for teaching and assisting in the performance of bibliographic on-line searches through the use of an intermediary computer. The system in its present form is intended for direct users of scientific and technical information systems. However, it is felt that…

In an effort to increase the awareness of educators about the potential of electronic data processing (EDP) in education and acquaint the EDP specialists with current educational problems, this book discusses the routine uses of EDP for business and student accounting, as well as its innovative uses in instruction. A description of computers and…

Planning for a computer use "help desk" at Kenyon College (Ohio) was constrained by very limited resources. However, careful and thorough planning resulted in a low-budget, homegrown, but highly effective facility. Staffing, training, staff communication, and marketing the service were essential elements in its success. (MSE)

The significant accomplishments and events in computing at Dartmouth College during the period July 1, 1973 through June 30, 1976 are described in detail. The report is divided into six sections: (1) review of activities, (2) acquisition of equipment, (3) software development, (4) computer applications, (5) highlights of the first decade of the…