This discussion of the role and effects of microcomputers in the information industry considers technological advances of recent times and how they may affect the future. Complexity of systems and systems control, problems of communication (machine-to-machine, machine-to-human), spread of microcomputers, and information networks and systems are…

Princeton's alumni magazine stepped into the technological age with a computer bulletin board system. Since February 1984, readers of the Princeton Alumni Weekly (PAW) who have personal computers have been able to receive much of the magazine via telephone modem. A description of this computer bulletin board system is provided. (MLW)

The most important results of computer networking experiments on campus may be increased use of technology, but the projects did not always take the directions anticipated. The projects also highlighted problems in social and educational systems that must be solved before computing can be comfortably integrated into higher education. (MSE)

Survey of the history and current development of information technology covers hardware (economies of scale, communications technology, magnetic and optical forms of storage), and the evolution of systems software ("tool" software, applications software, and nonprocedural languages). The effect of new computer technologies on human…

Important features of local area networks (LAN) are reviewed, and several microcomputer LANs are described (ARCnet, Hinet, ShareNet, Ethernet, Omninet, PLAN 4000). Results of survey of 10 libraries using or planning to use a microcomputer LAN and considerations in choosing a LAN are reported. Forty-one references are cited. (EJS)

Describes how the microcomputer is linked to the mainframe computer for effective communication within a business, discusses software packages available to facilitate this connection, and provides information on a new IBM product designed to serve as both a microcomputer and a terminal for a mainframe system. (MBR)

Examines technical solutions to problems of conventional scientific publishing (rapid growth, literature scatter, increasing costs, excessive delays in publication), and explores new ways of disseminating research information. Publication forms of scholarly journals, past and present, and developments in computer networking and microcomputer…

The next wave of personal computers will be smaller, lighter, and easier to use. In addition, there will be increased speed, memory capacity, and standardization. Administrators will be limited only by their imagination in the use of this technology. (MLF)

Because of the drastic reduction in prices and the availability of versatile, inexpensive software, the home computer today is enjoying an exponential growth and may be effecting a fundamental change in mass communication and processes. Existing media suffer from many inherent limitations and offer unspecified audiences very low or no referability…

Discussed are the factors to be considered when establishing a computer network. Considered are telecommunications, in general, along with channels, switching, packet switching, transmission, multiplexing, and local area networks (LANS). (TW)

Two articles address the design of microcomputer networks and the use of local area computer networks (LAN) to improve library automation. Topics discussed include network design criteria, media for local networks, transmission mode, typical communication protocols, user interface, basic local network architectures, and examples of microcomputer…

Describes development of system for retrieval of documents from magnetic storage that uses stored font definition codes to control an inexpensive laser printer in the production of copies that closely resemble original document. Trends in information equipment and printing industries that will govern future application of this technology are…

This paper highlights potential benefits and more pressing social and legal problems facing Latin American nations in the area of informatics and small computers. Discussion covers potential uses (education, office applications, agriculture, national planning); role of central governments; implications for economic development; and transborder…

Explores microcomputer revolution and assesses role of microcomputers in libraries. Highlights include characteristics of three types of computers (mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers); hardware limitations of microcomputers (storage capacity, processing speed); advancing technology; the local area network; software problems; and…

Overview of the impact of information technology on libraries highlights turnkey vendors, bibliographic utilities, commercial suppliers of records, state and regional networks, computer-to-computer linkages, remote database searching, terminals and microcomputers, building local databases, delivery of information, digital telefacsimile,…