Sixteen papers from a workshop on computer applications sponsored by the University of Cape Town (South Africa) School of Librarianship are presented in this volume: (1) "Introduction to the Use of Information Technology" (Sue Bleimschein); (2) "Searching Remote Databases" (Steve Rossouw); (3) "SABINET [South African Bibliographic and Information…

This paper describes the evolution and development of an intelligent information system, i.e., a knowledge base for steel structures being undertaken as part of the Technical Information Center for Steel Structures at Lehigh University's Center of Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS). The initial development of the Technical…

This paper reviews the current extent of, research into, and future expectations for the use of online bibliographic retrieval systems by untrained end users rather than by trained search intermediaries. Six sections cover: (1) studies of direct end user searching, done primarily with students or persons in highly technical fields; (2) problems to…

This paper reports on an application of parallel models to the area of information retrieval and argues that massively parallel, distributed models of computation, called connectionist, or parallel distributed processing (PDP) models, offer a new approach to the representation and manipulation of knowledge. Although this document focuses on…

This manual, the first in a series of practical, "how-to" publications, describes the experiences of the Non-Formal Education Information Center (NFEIC) in setting up and maintaining a specialized resource center for print materials related to nonformal education and development. A description of the NFEIC is followed by an outline of…

Through a grant from the National Institute of Education, a coordinated network for communication and exchange of educational information has been established in Nebraska. The State of Nebraska Information Center for Educational Resources (SNICER) was established for the purpose of improving education through effective information dissemination.…

This report describes a computer-monitoring study of users of the Ohio State University Libraries' online catalog, an established and heavily used information retrieval system. Designed for end users, online library catalogs require little or no formal training, and often replace an existing manual system. Data were gathered unobtrusively by…

The proliferation of the mastery learning literature over the past decade has acutely intensified the need for the formation of a specific Clearinghouse on Mastery Learning (CML). An attempt at establishing such a clearinghouse has been under way for the past year through the Loyola Center for Educational Improvement, based at Loyola University in…

This paper discusses the role of information in national development, addressing such issues as for whom and for what purposes information is needed in developing countries, the impact of the information explosion on the Third World, and the problems inherent in current national and international information infrastructures. A series of statements…

This report describes the development and operations of FORMAT, a Canadian database system designed to achieve comprehensive national bibliographic control of Canadian-produced audiovisual materials. FORMAT's developmental criteria are outlined, including its emphasis on Canadian-produced audiovisual documents, French/English bilingualism,…

The first of two volumes of a conference proceedings, this document contains the welcome, the opening, the keynote addresses, and the invited papers, as well as a submitted paper by John Gillam which was not available for publication in the pre-prints (Volume 2) prior to the conference. Three addresses are not included in these proceedings and…

The second of two volumes of a conference preceedings, this volume contains the preprints of five submitted papers, which are published as submitted by the authors: M. Broadbent and L. B. McIntyre, "Information Management: Promise and Reality"; E. Spoor, "Management Information from Library Systems"; R. Walsh, "Integrated…

Decision makers must address the issues of (1) just what are electronic communications? (2) how will they help me teach, administer, or survive? and (3) what will it cost in time and money? Electronic mail allows the sending of letters, memos, and messages to anyone who uses the same electronic mail system, and provides most of the options that…

This paper describes a number of different types of training aids currently employed in online training: non-interactive audiovisual presentations; interactive computer-based aids; partially interactive aids based on recorded searches; print-based materials; and kits. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of aid are noted, and a table…

Extensionists need to make the "ASIAn Connection"--become Aware of the spectrum of research, Select program-related research, Integrate research from many disciplines, and Apply it in a way useful to clientele. Extensionists currently use a wide variety of traditional techniques to make the "ASIAn Connection." One relatively new technique has…