An analysis of computer-based search services (ISSs) from a system's viewpoint, using a continuous simulation model to reveal growth and stagnation of a typical system is presented, as well as an analysis of decision making for an ISS. (Author/MBR)

For the secondary school, the author discourages the use of dichotomous keys in favor of a punch-card system. The system is readily constructed by students for use in plant and animal classification. (CP)

Details a methodology to obtain resource information in marine education. In addition, an annotated bibliography of over 50 marine-related books is provided. (CP)

A new publication service abstracts, indexes, and prepares microfiche of environmental impact statements (EIS). This new service is designed to streamline the EIS process by reducing the cost and time of preparation, by eliminating redundancy of similar statements, and by working with the government to standardize the preparation process. (MA)

The article examines goals of information systems and basic areas that must be considered before an information system is established. The ERIC system is described as an example. Administrative organization, information processing, and problems of the system are discussed. (Author/AV)

Presented are the results of a study which examined the scope of the ERIC data base. Recommendations include a more explicitly stated policy for selective indexing of data base and indexing procedures, and also a consideration of indexing, but not abstracting, relevant dissertations. (AP)

A two-process theory of the spacing (lag) effect in free recall is presented and tested. (Editor/RK)

Describes the use of askSam, a flexible text based management system, for handling personal collections of bibliographic references. Sample programs and searches are provided for both unstructured (minimum input and programming by the user) and structure applications. (CLB)

Describes the partnership between the public and private sectors in developing and marketing the ERIC database in CD-ROM format. Particular emphasis is given to the marketing research and protocols of partnership that were developed. (Author/CLB)

The information retrieval thesaurus emerged in operational form following a confused intellectual history as a secondary indexing aid. Prescriptive language ideas of Moore and Luhn were absent in early forms and no one attempted to reduce retrieval language as advocated earlier. DuPont retrieval thesaurus (1959) offered a model for further…

Examines online searching done for public libraries during October 1984 at The System Reference Service of the multitype North Suburban Library System. Highlights include total requests searched online, total public library requests searched online (by subject category), samples of successful and unsuccessful public library searches, databases…

Responds to an earlier article that suggested reforms in the journal communication system intended to reduce the number of articles published, thus easing the burden on libraries. The role of published articles in scholarly communication, research and information retrieval, and the library's responsibility to support these activities are…

Discusses research into chemical information and document retrieval systems at the University of Sheffield. Highlights include the use of cluster analysis methods for document retrieval and drug design, representation and searching of files of generic chemical structures, and the application of parallel computer hardware to information retrieval.…

Presents a model for information retrieval evaluation based on the notion of total relevance, a function derived from the traditional summation of relevance ratings over the documents in a collection. The model makes explicit the perceptual underpinnings of relevance assessments while allowing for consideration of interdocument dependencies. (37…

Discusses a pilot project by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to apply optical disk technology to the storage and retrieval of documents related to its high level waste management program. Components and features of the microcomputer-based system which provides full-text and image access to documents are described. A sample search is included.…