Schools have become integral to the marketing plans of a vast array of corporations as commercial interests--through advertising, sponsorship of curriculum and programs, marketing of consumer products, for-profit privatization, and fundraising tied to commercial entities--continue to influence public education. The trend persists despite growing…

The evolution of Petroleum Abstracts,'' which was started in 1961, is described. The various methods used for retrieving are discussed. (5 references) (SM)

A brief look at a computer project which provides comprehensive administrative and instructional information to schools in the Minneapolis, St. Paul region of Minnesota. (AK)

Discusses the need to analyze and develop concepts of effective data handling when new systems projects are in their initial stages of development. For one such project -- TIES -- the author examines several of these concepts within the framework of the technical capability available and the need of the user. The developmental processes and the…

Describes how the Main Library at the University of California at Davis uses both the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN) and OCLC in its technical services operations, including retrospective conversion, cataloging, searching, and authority work. Two references are provided. (EJS)

Reports on the development of the Individualized Instruction for Data Access System (IIDA), a computer system designed at Drexel University, which serves as an intermediary enabling users to perform complex tasks on another computer. Capabilities of the instruction mode and assistance mode are discussed. Fifteen references are cited. (EJS)

This guide to searching for "America: History and Life," a bibliographic database offering resources on topics in social sciences, humanities, and arts in the United States and Canada, covers subject scope, selection and coverage, document types and records, combined entries, subject indexing, personal names, geographic names, historical periods,…

Description of NOMAD, a database management system with flexibility and "friendly" design in use at the Bank of America library, focuses on costs, objectives, database structure, access, and its use to create an automated book catalog and spending reports. Six references are included. (EJS)

Brief discussion of state-of-the-art of modeling complex information systems distinguishes between macrolevel and microlevel modeling of such systems. Network layout and hierarchical system models, simulation, information acquisition and dissemination, databases and information storage, and operating systems are described and assessed. Thirty-four…

Discusses the importance of machine-readable data files (MRDF) in social sciences reference exchange and provides examples of their use in typical library settings. Access to and available MRDF are described. Nine references are included. (EJS)

Overview of the federal statistical system covers the central coordinating office, data access policy, "Directory of Federal Statistical Data Files," and effect of technology on data use. Source documents which aid in assessing social statistics are listed. A sample abstract from the directory and six references are appended. (EJS)

Describes an interactive data retrieval system which was designed and implemented for casual users and which incorporates a user-friendly interface, aids to train beginners in use of the system, versatility in output, and error recovery protocols. A 14-item reference list and two figures illustrating system operation and output are included. (JL)