Examines the implications of incorporating user-centered design within information systems design practices. Highlights include a definition of user-centered design based on human-computer interface; questions asked about users, including outcome, process, and task variables; and three criteria for when to use this approach in information systems…

Discussion of multimedia computing and multimedia information systems that contain audio and video data focuses on how to implement buffer sharing in continuous-media systems based on slots and portions. Disk utilization and transition periods are considered, and future work is described. (LRW)

Describes the architecture of a distributed, networked, multimedia learning environment for macroeconomics, which employs gaming and simulation methods. Details include a conceptualization of the system and discussion of its function and structure. (JKP)

Reports on an exploratory study which used tracking records and evaluation questionnaires to examine the ways students use a hypermedia system. Findings in the following areas are discussed: enjoyment, ease of use, perception of system control, actual search strategies, perceived purposive search strategies, and effectiveness of search strategies.…

Discusses the benefits of the Serial Item Contribution Identifier (SICI) standard for serials handling. Developed by the Serials Industry Systems Advisory Committee (SISAC), SICI applications through the use of a SISAC barcode are expected to benefit shipping, ordering, serials processing and claiming, document delivery, and information exchange.…

Discusses participatory strategic planning and describes the use of IBM's Application Transfer Study process at Jacksonville State University to develop a master plan for a campuswide information system. Planning in academe is discussed, and the use of questionnaires and interviews for needs assessment is described. (three references) (LRW)

Defines the concepts of hypertext, hypermedia, multimedia, and multimedia networks. Using the rhizome as a metaphor for electronically mediated exchange, a theory of hypermedia design that incorporates principles of connection and heterogeneity, multiplicity, asignifying rupture, and cartography and decalomania is explored. (four references) (MES)

Provides background and insight into the totally new telecommunications network recently implemented by OCLC, as well as steps taken to assure that catastrophic events at critical carrier-network locations or disruptive cuts in carrier cable facilities do not result in widespread service outages for OCLC users. (four references) (DB)

Argues that advent of computer-aided instruction (CAI) systems for teaching introductory computer programing makes it imperative that software be developed to automate assessment and grading of student programs. Examples of typical student programing problems are given, and application of the Unix tools Lex and Yacc to the automatic assessment of…

Discusses intelligent computer-aided learning (ICAL) support systems and considers learner characteristics as elements of ICAL student models. Cybernetic theory and attribute-treatment results are discussed, six components of a student model for tutoring are described, and methods for determining the student's model of the tutor are examined. (22…

Discusses electronic books and hypermedia as stages in the evolution of media used for the storage and transmission of information. Design features of a hyperbook being developed are described, and a future optical storage device called a BOOK (Binary Operating system for the Organization of Knowledge) is explained. (seven references) (LRW)

Describes selecting and installing a computerized point of sale for a district food service program; the equipment needed and preferred; and the training of trainers, managers, and cashiers. Also discusses the direct benefits and side benefits of the system. (MLF)

Discusses access to nontextual documents in large multimedia document bases. A hybrid information retrieval model, using queries in a hypertext environment for location of browsing areas, is presented; and two experiments using cluster-based descriptions of content are reported. (23 references) (EA)

Discusses and examines two approaches to concept-based retrieval of hypermedia information that improve a user's ability to navigate large systems--term indexing with semantically coupled thesauri and semantic hyperindexing. Visualization of index structures is discussed, and an example, the Cube of Contents retrieval model for the "Active…

Discusses the architecture of a global hypermedia information and communication system designed to operate through the Internet that is being developed at the Graz University of Technology (Austria). Topics addressed include clients and servers; distributed hypertext; link server protocol; document cache servers; and applications of the global…