Describes a contract between the reference service of a library system in Illinois and a commercial supplier of information in Berkeley, California, to provide the answers to 200 reference questions for a flat rate of $6000. The contract, considered the first of its kind, successfully relieved a current reference overload. (RAA)

Reviews research on the design and use of languages for computer programing, information retrieval, and user interaction with computers, and suggests designing interface programs to help users at all proficiency levels, since no single computer language can meet all information retrieval tasks for everyone. Twenty sources are listed. (RBF)

Discusses the progress made toward obtaining freedom of information in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe. (CHC)

Describes DIATOM, an online bibliographic retrieval system designed and implemented at Syracuse University to teach search strategy and the use of DIALOG to library science students. System features and database storage considerations are explained. (FM)

This first of two related articles by the same authors describes the philosophy, design, and implementation of an experimental translating computer system, CONIT, whose purpose was to investigate techniques for simplifying access to, and operation of, bibliographic retrieval systems. Forty-one references are cited. (FM)

This second of two related articles by the same authors evaluates the performance of an experimental translating computer system, CONIT, whose purpose was to investigate techniques for simplifying access to, and operation of, bibliographic retrieval systems. Forty-two references are cited. (FM)

Describes the requirements, data elements, functions and systems design for an online search log which maintains records of search services provided. (CWM)

Reviews research that has been relevant to improved user access to online information retrieval systems: (1) background; (2) natural language interfaces; (3) information retrieval system interfaces; and (4) modification of systems through user feedback. A 29-item bibliography is included. (Author/JD)

Examines design functions of present file organizations in the context of available data storage devices and identifies current developmental trends. (Author/RAA)

Provides an overview of videotex and teletext systems under development or being marketed in the United States and Europe. Current trends indicate a diminishing participation by librarians and information scientists in information display technology. Seven references are listed. (RAA)

Reviewed are several studies which demonstrate how artificial intelligence techniques can be applied in the design of end user-oriented interfaces (which would eliminate the need for an intermediary) to existing online systems, as well as in the development of future generations of online systems intended for the end user. (Author/SW)

The focus of Part Two of this series is on techniques for searching special applications in the behavioral sciences, such as grant sources, dissertation abstracts, audiovisual materials, and government publications. A sample search demonstrates the extent to which retrieval may be enhanced by exploring multiple databases for interdisciplinary…

Suggests a nationwide Canadian online bibliographic system for improved access to research publications, especially scholarly journals and papers produced by university departments and research institutes, similar to the ERIC system. Also discussed is funding of this abstracting and indexing service, possibly through the Canadian government. (SW)

Views automatic indexing as a two-tiered word frequency analysis that involves selection of a technical vocabulary and identification of document keywords. Assumptions, criteria, evaluation, and relevance are discussed. (JD)

Problems of providing bibliographic access to university library-based information sources are discussed with focus upon bibliographies, card and union catalogs, and library classification schemes. (Author/MBR)