Reviews the U.S. patent system and discusses the importance of technology described in patents, particularly that which does not appear in the literature through other sources. (SL)

Cites shortcomings of existing centralized state systems for processing child protection case records. Diagnostic, monitoring and statistical functions of these registers are described as severely limited by inaccurate and incomplete reporting. Confidentiality of records, subjects' access to records and problems of verification are discussed. (BF)

Three computer-based scientific bibliographic retrieval systems were evaluated for cleanness (consistency and internal duplication), comprehensiveness, timeliness, and costs. The appropriateness of using one or more of these data bases was found to depend upon the objectives of the end-user. (MA)

The author suggests that colleges and universities with business education programs offer a course in records management to provide students with more than entry level training. She lists goals of such a course along with possible teaching strategies. (MF)

Examines a statistical model in which the users of an online system continually update their estimated probability of success, and quit or continue the search according to the expected utility of each action. The implications for search strategies are discussed. (Author/EM)

Discusses the CODER system, which was developed to investigate the application of artificial intelligence methods to increase the effectiveness of information retrieval systems, particularly those involving heterogeneous documents. Highlights include the use of PROLOG programing, blackboard-based designs, knowledge engineering, lexicological…

This description of the role of the Information Services Division of Exxon Research and Engineering Division in emergency management covers the information technology developed and used for internally generated and published information, and how this information is used to prevent emergencies and deal with them should they actually occur. (EM)

Based on an international workshop held at Rutgers University, this article discusses problems and issues in the design, research, and implementation of distributed expert-based information systems (DEBIS). Information needs of end users are stressed, architectures for expert information retrieval systems are explored, and prototype models are…

Describes an information storage and retrieval system for mainframe computer applications and its utilization as a corporate library catalog intended for end-user searching. The changeover from a previous system is discussed and current system features are evaluated. (Author/CLB)

Outlines two traditions in the field of computer simulation, one focusing upon the character of the software within the computer, the other focusing upon the exercise outside the computer which the software is supporting. Topics discussed include mathematical modeling, gaming, information retrieval, decision monitoring, and applications in…

Thirty junior high students with and without learning disabilities used three forms of an encyclopedia--printed, electronic with menus, and electronic with commands. Students without disabilities were more successful in retrieval. Both groups were more successful at simple versus complex tasks, assigned versus self-selected tasks, and when using…

The relative effectiveness of the CD-ROM information retrieval system, InfoTrac II, and the manual "Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature," was studied. Seventeen community college students were divided into two groups which researched the same questions either on CD-ROM or in the printed index. Results showed the "Readers'…

The second of two articles discusses topics relating to the development of CD-ROM technology: (1) new applications; (2) the image of what CD-ROM will become; (3) the properties of information, including timeliness, risk, and the relationship between message and medium; and (4) growth issues such as production, pricing, and user training and…

Describes an experiment which compares two methods of charging users for online searches; first, a time-based charge; and second, a two-part fee determined by connect time and citations printed. The results are analyzed in terms of patterns of user activity under both systems. (CLB)

Reviews the current status of satellite remote sensing data, including problems with efficient storage and rapid retrieval of the data, and appropriate computer graphics to process images. Areas of research concerned with overcoming these problems are described. (16 references) (CLB)