Provides a method for estimating precision without examining individual database documents, which requires knowledge of only the query or expressed information need and a set of database parameters constant for all queries. Concepts of historic and expected precision are examined, and applications of precision-document graphs are assessed. (36…

Describes two research projects in the United Kingdom to illustrate a social systems approach to the evaluation of computer-based information systems which encompasses organizational, social, and political factors. The relevance of this research to a developing country context is discussed and implications are drawn for research, education, and…

A study investigated the risk-taking propensity toward technological innovation, such as adoption of a management information system, among university faculty, administrators, and support staff (n=240) and the relationship to gender, income, education, age, and academic division. Results and implications for adoption of innovation and related…

Computerized workstations at a teaching hospital were developed so that physicians in training could integrate and automate some of their information management tasks. The project is part of the National Library of Medicine's Integrated Academic Information Management Systems program at Georgetown University School of Medicine. (Author/MLW)

Describes the development of a microcomputer based management information system (MIS) for the DeKalb County Public Library. Data collection activities that determined system requirements and the evolution of a database design from those requirements are discussed, as well as plans to develop a generic public library MIS based on this model.…

This case study describes a low-budget interactive videodisc project that was developed for the Small Business Administration. Highlights include users' needs for easy access to information; system characteristics, including a touch screen; hardware; authoring system; and transfer of a slide show to videotape. (LRW)

Discusses the role of the Internet in foreign-language instruction from the perspective of a French teacher. Topics include Gopher, subject-oriented Gophers, finding e-mail addresses, Veronica and Archie, Wide Information Area Server, Hytelnet, and Mosaic. For those who are new to the Internet, Gopher is the simplest navigational tool to use as it…

Details the Rockford (Illinois) Public Library's activities involved with developing a community online information system and the not-for-profit organization established to run the system. Includes mission statement; guiding principles, policy statements; standing committees and goals for first year of operation; funding; adding users and…

Briefly describes online library catalogs and other types of Internet resources accessible through HYTELNET, a hypertext browser. Instructions for obtaining the software and five sample screens are included, and the system updating process is explained. (Contains two references.) (NRP)

Discusses dilemmas associated with computer-assisted career guidance systems (CACGs) from an information-processing and decision theory perspective. Analyzes four problems--the occupational data base, the complexity of career decisions, dialog's effectiveness, the context in which CACGs is embedded--and provides possible ways to overcome,…

Origins of Australia's university quality improvement program are outlined, and its design is examined. Issues discussed include implications of the program for individual institutions, its proposed method of redistributing research funds, and potential problems associated with performance appraisal. (MSE)

This series of articles reviews the management of global change data and the role of librarians and information professionals. Topics include the Global Change Data and Information System (GCDIS) thesaurus project, ConQuest Software, the Assisted Search for Knowledge (ASK) project, metadata, standards, and Directory Interchange Format and USMARC.…

Presents guidelines for college students on using the Internet. Highlights include registering early, learning about Campus Wide Information System, finding an ideal time to use the computer lab and experimenting on the equipment, finding local USENET groups, reading the local mailing lists, researching professors' backgrounds, e-mailing…

Discusses the development and field testing of a modified Delphi strategy used to create career support materials for rural parents. Describes innovative strategies for collecting data on the parental role in youth's career-related decisions, such as focus group interviews, direct-to-text data recording, and a funneling strategy. (RJM)

The origins and expansion of the University of Michigan Information Technology Division (ITD) partnership with academic units is described. The program, which began with the university's largest academic unit, features distributed computing and support services. Lessons have been learned concerning deans' attitudes about computing technology and…