Defines Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), a format for electronic documents that provides documentary information for efficient accessibility, dissemination, and preservation. Compares SGML to Open Document Architecture (ODA) based on standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and describes the principles and…

Reports results of a survey on marketing successes and failures of career center professionals. Outlines successful techniques, which included flyers, workshops, mailings and class presentations, and the most significant change: computerization. Examines problems faced by career centers and offers tips on how to improve student participation. (RJM)

This discussion of hypertext focuses on a study of undergraduates that explored the conditions for making hypertext a better environment than a traditional linear text for studying and for an information search. Highlights include the influence of students' learning styles; and the availability of navigation tools. (Author/LRW)

A study of 22 high school students who used a prototype navigational map for browsing hypermedia documents found that the tool was not effective. Supporting previous research the study found the use of maps resulted in poorer performance, less use of the system, lower perceived control, and poorer development of mental representations. (PEN)

Explores the scope and nature of career development services within organizations. Information gathered from interviews indicated that descriptions and the intended outcomes for career development services were consistent, but specific services were not aligned with specific goals. Overall results suggest that career development is practiced in a…

Introduces a novel approach to unsupervised text summarization. Proposes an "information-centric" approach to evaluation, where the quality of summaries is judged not in terms of how well they match human-created summaries but in terms of how well they represent their source documents in information retrieval tasks such as document…

Essex Community College (Maryland) has used issue-oriented planning to maintain flexibility and adaptability while responding to environmental changes. Issues addressed by centralized and structured processes include management information systems, budget development, and external resource development. Issues addressed by decentralized processes…

Explains how the Directory Service (CCITT X.500/ISO 9594) became an international standard in response to the difficulties of keeping data on information network users current and accessible. Uses of X.500 are described, a technical overview is provided, its functions and protocols are assessed, and directory projects and products are discussed.…

Management of heterogeneous networks is complicated by the persistence of proprietary management schemes. The need for integration of network management capabilities is pressing. The International Organization for Standardization is developing standards for managing networks as part of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) effort. OSI management…

Reviews some of the projects and organizations concerned with promoting conformance and interoperability testing of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) products and describes OSI products available from computer manufacturers and vendors. A list of references includes 57 articles that mention specific vendors and 11 general articles about OSI…

A description of how image database technology was used to develop two prototypes for academic and administrative applications at Yale University, one using a video data base integration and the other using document-scanning data base technology, is presented. Technical underpinnings for the creation of data bases are described. (Author/MLW)

To provide effective leadership and assure project success, policy makers should understand two major pitfalls in pursuing purchased administrative systems solutions. First is the failure to organize for successful project implementation and monitoring, including organizing for contract negotiation; second is the failure to develop an effective…

Discusses the problems encountered at the Duquesne Light Company of Pittsburgh's nuclear power plant as the result of an inability to process information effectively and keep pace with technological change. The creation of a separate division trained and directed to manage the plant's information flows is described and evaluated. (CLB)

The acquisition and implementation at Arizona State University of a fourth-generation language product to facilitate end-user access to institutional data are described. Some problems encountered are included, as are discussions of training and security considerations. (Author/MLW)

Computing and information technology at Arizona State University have developed within the University's large, complex decentralized culture. Delivery of central services, faculty and student computing, networking, administrative computing, and the construction of a computing and network services building are discussed. (MLW)