A simulation study of library-based information retrieval systems is described. Basic models for each of several important aspects are presented: (1) user behavior, emphasizing response to quality and delays in services; (2) the scheduling of services and the organization of the machine-readable files; and (3) the distribution of conventional…

A prescriptive materials laboratory, called the Educational Modulation Center, (EMC) provides teachers and consultants with immediate access to materials for use in specific teaching situations. Materials included in the EMC files are carefully analyzed according to mental age level, material format, general and specific content, stated purpose,…

The first interactive (on-line) computerized use of the ERIC files by the U.S. Office of Education is reported in the form of an evaluation of the DIALOG system conducted at the ERIC Clearinghouse for Educational Media and Technology. Descriptions of the purposes of the study, of the DIALOG system (developed by Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.),…

The purpose of this document is to present a final description of the original MEDLARS system as it evolved through four years of operation. The system is described as it was functioning on January 1, 1968. Among the various system elements discussed are: (1) the input subsystem, including journal selection and coverage, Medical Subject Headings…

The scope of a manual-automated system serving the 40 libraries and the teaching and research community of Stanford University is defined. Also defined are the library operations to be supported and the bibliographic information storage and retrieval capabilities to be provided in the system. Two major projects have been working jointly on library…

The paper deals with one method of organizing the storage unit of a descriptor IPS (information retrieval system) of the SPOD type, the information array of which constitutes the totality of uniform documents with ordered disposition of data within each of them. Three categories of data composing the retrieval form of document were defined…

After three years of preparation, the Project Intrex research team has begun to subject parts of its augmented catalog system to interactions with users who were interested in the substance of the stored information and uncontaminated by prior association with the Intrex research effort. The experiences with users to date, as well as progress made…

The broad objective of this investigation was to explore the potential and applicability of automatic methods for the indexing of drug-related information appearing in English natural language text and to find out what can be learned about automatic indexing in general from the experience. More specific objectives were the development,…

This 24-page booklet is the third component in a set of instructional materials related to the purposes, organization, and uses of ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center). The booklet is designed to instruct the reader in ways of using the comprehensive ERIC indexing system in the search for information or materials relevant to his needs.…

A description is provided of the structure, contents, and potential uses of a National Storehouse of Educational Materials Successes. The Storehouse is depicted as being a collection of evidence relating to what works in education. Details are presented on its contents, its expected users, the functions it could serve, and its operational and…

The primary outcome of any information feedback system must be data for the classroom teacher. For this reason, a system's value has to be measured in terms of its usefulness to the teacher in making instructional decisions. A report should contain only data that the teacher needs and should be produced in an understandable format. User feedback…

An examination of the nature of memory reveals that the representation of knowledge cannot be separated from the uses of knowledge. The answering of questions is not a simple retrieval and response of stored information; rather the process is embedded in a general structural framework containing knowledge of the questioner, the question, and the…

The computational complexity of a formal process for the construction of term classes for information retrieval is examined. While the process is proven to be difficult computationally, heuristic methods are applied. Experimental results are obtained to illustrate the maximum possible improvement in system performance of retrieval using the formal…

The report describes Wisconsin's information retrieval system with remote, on-line computer access to nearly 200,000 educational documents. Briefly outlined are the operations and indexing of materials for the computer program, documents of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), file access, training sessions, and remote location…

Volume 3 contains supporting appendixes of a three-volume study designed to evaluate the need for new labor market information. The study also sought to improve methods for making better use of currently collected statistical and administrative data. The appendixes support Volume 1's chapter 2 "A Flexible Data Retrieval System" and chapter 3 "Data…