Institutional policies are needed to guide the responsible use of data, especially in a decentralized operating environment. Factors that influence the development and implementation of policies for decentralized data use are explored. Data use, technological developments, and the needs and responsibilities of users and the institution must be…

Based on manual observation of 187 zero result online searches at a university library, this article addresses three types of problems that can produce such search results: multiple database searching, topic negotiation, and database availability. A summary of conceptual and practical recommendations for searchers are provided. (6 references) (EJS)

Research libraries play essential role in the dissemination of both bibliographic and numerical information, including acquisition, processing, cataloging, retrieval, and document delivery. Most functions have been affected dramatically by application of the computer and library services at Massachusetts Institute of Technology that have evolved…

Describes the process of developing and revising a brochure to guide library patrons in conducting an author search on an online public access catalog in order to demonstrate the application of four steps in production of a functional document--analysis; planning; development; evaluation, testing, and revision. Three sources are given. (EJS)

Focusing on management decisions in academic libraries, this article compares management information systems (MIS) with decision support systems (DSS) and discusses the decision-making process, information needs of library managers, sources of data, reasons for choosing microcomputer, preprogrammed application software, prototyping a system, and…

Description of database management systems course being taught to students at School of Library and Information Studies, University of California, Berkeley, notes course structure, assignments, and course evaluation. Approaches to teaching concepts of three types of database systems are discussed and systems used by students in the course are…

A microcomputer database management system is used to create and index profiles of individual college faculty and to monitor their expertise (curricular, research, professional subject interests) and trends in university programs. The faculty profile is useful in improved referrals, collection development activities, staff orientation, and public…

Reviews activities of Automation Development Department established in 1975 at National Library of China. Education of staff members, introduction of Library of Congress MARC tapes and Japanese computer system (Hitachi M-150H), development of application systems, the National Bibliographic Center Computer System, and long-term targets for the…

Discusses developments in video-based information systems, including interactive and digital videodisc, videotex, satellite broadcasting, and expanded uses of videocassettes and cable television in interactive mode. Highlights include role of academic library media centers, videodisc and optical discs, videotex, other video-based information…

An outline of microcomputer applications for administrative computing in education is followed by discussions of aspects of office automation, database management systems, management information systems, administrative computer systems, and software. Several potential problems relating to administrative computing in education are identified.…

Discusses formulation of value function based on research from modelling, value assessment, human information seeking behavior, and human decision making. The proposed function is incorporated into computer-based fiction retrieval system and evaluated based on ability of individual's value function to discriminate among novels selected, rejected,…

Describes the VECM (Vocational Education Curriculum Materials) database and how it can help solve curriculum problems. Elements of this database are discussed: ease of entry and retrieval of information, how information is coded, equipment needed to gain entry, how to use the database, uniqueness of the database, and membership information. (CT)

The purpose of this study was to examine problems with the current computer-based electronic communication systems and to initially test and revise a new and different paradigm for e-collaboration, Relate@IU. Understanding the concept of sending links to resources, rather than sending the resource itself, is at the core of how Relate@IU differs…

This book explains how to conduct effective research on the World Wide Web. The book is divided into two sections: "Research Tools" and "Search Strategies." The first section includes chapters defining the World Wide Web; Web addresses; indexes; online libraries; search engines; and newsgroups and listservs. The second section…

This paper focuses on one aspect of a Four Directions Challenge in Technology Grant that deals with the use of telecommunications to facilitate the generation of technology-enhanced, culturally-relevant curriculum. The grant supports the position that technology offers an opportunity for Native Americans to tell their stories in their own voices…