Summarizes the development of information retrieval evaluation ideas, describes the design of the TREC (Text Retrieval Conference) experiments, and discusses the Okapi team's participation in TREC. Highlights include the Cranfield projects that tested the principles of information retrieval system design, test collections, weighting functions,…

Presents a conceptual overview of online information systems, emphasizing the distinction between hypertext (associative) and more traditional (search) models of information management. Five commercially available hypertext systems are reviewed, hypertext design issues are discussed, and the application of structured writing techniques to…

Describes a comparative study of the "help" facilities of 16 interactive information retrieval systems. Guidelines for the design of a "help" facility are presented and then used to evaluate the quality and friendliness of each system. Suggestions for the improvement of online "help" facilities are discussed. (31…

Discusses ways in which artificial intelligence could be applied to improve the ease of use, quality of retrieval, and organization of data in online services or CD-ROM. (MES)

Examines the rapidly growing role for technical communicators in the computer industry as members of the external design team. Describes the kinds of decisions they are responsible for with regard to all phases of product development--as user advocates, usability testers, screen designers, and online documentation specialists. (KEH)

This comparison of two approaches to the development of computerized supports for decision making--expert systems and multivariate models--focuses on computerized systems that assist professionals with tasks related to diagnosis or classification in human services. Validation of both expert systems and statistical models is emphasized. (39…

This third installment in a series on instructional videodiscs for teachers focuses on the equipment needed to bring videodisc programs to the classroom. Videodisc delivery systems are explained, players and monitors are described, and three types of computer-controlled systems are discussed: hybrid systems, peripheral systems, and integrated…

Discussion of intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) systems focuses on tutorial strategies. Highlights include artificial intelligence; degree of learner control; student modeling requirements in ICAI; ICAI system architecture; forms of knowledge; and tutoring functions, including questioning, teaching, and motivating. (17 references)…

Presents reasons for choosing a connected computer system for student use in secondary schools. The systems approach is discussed; two alternatives are compared, a central computer and a local area network (LAN) of microcomputers; software is described; and two scenarios of LAN use are presented. (four references) (LRW)

Discusses computer networking and the cost effectiveness of decentralization, including local area networks. A planned experiment with a centralized approach to the operation and management of file servers at the University of South Carolina is described that hopes to realize cost savings and the avoidance of staffing problems. (Contains four…

Describes the Government Information Locator Service (GILS), designed to help the public identify and acquire federal government information as part of the evolving National Information Infrastructure. Highlights include background information; use of GILS through the Internet; and agency-based information services, including the Government…

Project CUPID (the Consortium for University Printing and Information Distribution) has created a system for distributed printing over the Internet of finished, high-quality, production documents. Topics include the new printing systems; standards and common procedures; the architecture; extension to software systems; copyrights and the…

Examines major network structures and provides criteria for selecting the best layout. Describes daisy-chain, star, bus, tree, ring, and token ring topologies. Discusses factors to consider when connecting computers, including user needs, printing demands, modem and file sharing, user grouping, the physical plant, and connective equipment. (AEF)

Discussion of information system design proposes the artifact as theory perspective and suggests that information system design is best tackled by user-centered theories and methods. Topics include the software development process, human-computer interaction, and implications for information science. (LRW)

Describes how an understanding of "engagement" can be applied to multimedia systems design and can support learning goals and motivation. Provides examples of engaging interactions, suggests methodologies for evaluating their impact on the learner, and offers practical hints for incorporating them into multimedia system design.…