Based on existing literature and user experience, the systematic approach to data base evaluation presented here provides a method by which data processing administrators can optimize the probability of selecting the data base management system best suited for their institution. (Author/WM)

Discusses how data systems can be designed to serve not only operations but also higher-level management and planning with observations about information as a political as well as an administrative tool. (Editor/PG)

A look at Moraine Valley Community College's data bank for systematically gathering, reporting and updating community socioeconomic data for occupational program planning and counseling. (Author)

This paper analyzes: (1) the bibliographic access to publications in urban studies via printed secondary sources; (2) development and scope of classification systems and of vocabulary control for urban studies; and (3) currently accessible automated collections of bibliographic citations. Urban studies is defined as "an agglomeration of…

Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) indexes and microfiche have earned a position as major sources of information for educational researchers and practitioners in Canada. Their widespread use has been facilitated by the development of computerized search services, first using batch systems and more recently on-line interactive…

Programs at the University of Miami are used to illustrate what needs to be done in order to assure that the admissions function is working well enough to meet both the fiscal and qualitative levels desired in order to achieve one's institutional goals. (Author/KE)

Discusses the new languages and software packages that make up data base management systems, outlines the characteristics of the systems, and examines the benefits claimed for them. (IRT)

Rules and guidelines are provided for ERIC catalogers and editors engaged in capturing bibliographic data on the documents and journal articles entered into the ERIC database. The material is organized by data element: Accession Number, Price Code, Pagination, Publication Date, Title, Journal Citation, Language, Publication Type, Descriptors,…

This paper suggests one way that trends in the literature might be captured by historians through the use of computerized information retrieval services and particular statistical techniques for analyzing trends. For illustrative purposes, the topic "desegregation" was investigated in Lockheed's DIALOG (1982) information retrieval system…

This report discusses the program and plans of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for 1979-80. The publication provides an overview of the major program activities for fiscal year 1979 and plans for 1980. The center provides data to monitor trends in education and address key policy issues. These data are supplemented by special…

The file organization for the computerized Flora North America (FNA) data bank is described. A four level character hierarchy allows subdivision of any flora description into as many as four levels in order to specify plant character precisely. Terms at any one level will not necessarily be parallel in status. Both PLANTS and LEAVES serve as…

An explanation is provided of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), a national information system that collects, processes, and makes available a wide range of educational documents. Contents of the guide include an explanation of the major components of the ERIC system; searching by subject, author, or institution in the ERIC…

This discussion of the alternative design features being considered for the National Education Practice File presents three design configurations for each feature, demonstrating how they differ and suggesting which is the most likely candidate for the pilot test based on utility benefits, technical feasibility, adherence to Federal Information…

An update of an April 1977 survey, this one sought to define more precisely the extent of state education agency activities in the area of educational resource data bases. The survey was mailed to all U.S. states and territories; the response rate was 66 percent. Ninety-seven percent of the respondents, an increase of 29 percent over the 1977…

Databases and clearinghouses useful in education are described in this two part document. The first section contains one-page summaries of 55 databases of interest to people in education. The types of information provided by the various databases are indicated, including bibliographies, funding information, statistics, government publications and…