Discusses how the British Post Office is using the Prestel information retrieval system. The information structure adopted for the Prestel databases and how the Prestel system hardware works are presented. Computer system software, types of information, and the impact of Prestel system on society are also presented. (HM)

Discusses forces at work within today's on-line data base environment which could lead to the emergence of a distributed information network; identifies several important modules in such a network, including an automated subject switching module; and reports research investigations, critical issues, and preliminary findings with regard to…

The development of a computer-based administrative system at the University of Albany--The Dictionary/Directory Facility-- is described. This system is viewed as a dynamic one that can function in an environment characterized by change. (SF)

The needs and problems of the small college or university management information system are discussed through the experiences of a small midwestern university. It is suggested that technological advancements in software and minicomputers will improve the systems development capabilities of small institutions. (Author/BH)

The World Wide Web has generated a dramatic increase in the availability of electronic journals. Discusses the development of electronic publishing: CD-ROM systems, local data loading, and pre-Web online environments; and outlines remaining obstacles to libraries making the leap from paper to electronic collections: critical mass, aggregation,…

Discusses accessing and using documents from international (intergovernmental) organizations. Profiles the United Nations, the European Union and other Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs). Discusses the librarian as "Web detective," notes questions to focus on, and presents examples to demonstrate navigation of IGO sites. Lists basic…

Outlines three rules to help companies plan for and implement intranets: (1) adopt a long-term vision for corporate Intranet usage; (2) create a culture of information usage; and (3) recognize, adapt to and take advantage of the inherent qualities of electronic information. (AEF)

Explores the influence of several search task characteristics on children's success in finding science materials on an automated library catalog. Findings suggest that the complexity of the search task and the level of children's science domain knowledge affect their success in identifying books on assigned science topics. (Author/AEF)

Presents a way to model a large class of reference information based on a semantic network technique with embedded argumentation of the information provider. Shows by discussion of several alternatives that the approach is flexible enough to be adapted to different user and system requirements. (Author/AEF)

Traces the evolution of the Curry Teaching Simulations and their impact on preservice and experienced teachers during the past 16 years. Highlights include versatility in software; navigation; pedagogical assumptions, including transfer of learning; and research on training skills and on teaching patterns. (Author/LRW)

Describes research that investigated how use of an interactive videodisk information system helped preservice elementary school teachers expand their visions of teaching, learning, and assessment in mathematics. Teachers and lessons in the videos served as models for the preservice teachers and offered a springboard for student reflection and…

Examines the qualities of hypermedia information systems that enable them to facilitate learning and knowledge construction. Discusses the background of current learning theories, and describes a possible hypermedia system based on constructivist learning principles that could be developed through the use of intelligent autonomous agents.…

Discusses the role of end users in the design of a multi-format digital library project, ISLA (name derived from Spanish word for "island"), being developed at the University of Southern California library for the study of the Los Angeles region. Topics include spatial and temporal indexing; the geographic information system element;…

Discusses research on scientific communication. Topics include theory-less and formal technical/natural scientific models of scientific communication; social-scientific, power-sensitive models; the sociology of scientific communication; sciences as fields of competition; fraud and deception; potential surplus value across subject information…

Discussion of technology integration focuses on the design and development of a multimedia, CD-ROM/Internet-based teacher development tool that was intended to help teachers envision and achieve technology integration. Highlights include software content; videotaping classroom practice; creating digital files; designing the interface; developing…