Describes features of existing software packages for circulation control (borrower and item files, data capture and verification, issue, return, renewal, loan conditions, reservations, overdues, updating, and management information), and serials control (ordering, recording receipt, reader access, binding and financial control, listings, and…

A file management computer program that allows secondary social studies students to store information on cards on a floppy disk and to retrieve all or parts of the data as needed is described. The program will help students develop information-processing skills in locating, organizing, interpreting, and presenting social data. (RM)

The information age requires flexibility rather than technical specialization and therefore liberal arts education should be more in demand. Humanities vs. technology, and ethical implications are discussed. The most important response of the liberal arts college is that of planning. (MLW)

Traces the historical background of the machine readable records program of the National Archives of Canada. The systems overview approach used to appraise records is discussed, including content and technical analyses, and the processing and dissemination activities of the program are described. (CLB)

Discusses a persistent concern in research on social change--the impact of the availability of knowledge on relative degrees of power and influence. Emphasizes that changes in media structure may have far-reaching consequences not only for the amount of information that gets distributed, but for who gets the information. (JD)

Assesses the feasibility of and suggests using W. J. McGuire's information processing theory and cognitive response analysis theory in research studies to identify "givers"--those who are likely to contribute money and resources to charities or volunteer to aid philanthropic organizations. (SRT)

Typical contacts with information-processing technology (IPT) do not significantly reshape thought. Although some suggest that IPT will have a narrowing, dehumanizing influence, the diversification of ITP now underway will allow for more styles of involvement. Because of this diversification, thinking may change as it did in response to literacy…

Points out the need for informed and experienced users of data bases. Discusses the definition of a data base, creating a data base for research, comparison use, and checking written text as a data base. (EL)

One of the areas most often neglected by those responsible for information systems in colleges and universities relates to ownership, privacy, confidentiality, and security of data. Background information and definitions are provided, and a suggested environment is described. Model recommendations for institutional policy are offered. (MLW)

Provides tips for collecting and storing information about child care and children. (HOD)

New media, such as electronic mail and word processing, are playing increasingly important roles in communication activities, especially in organizational settings. This article reviews the process by which new media are diffused, and describes some characteristics of new media that have implications for evaluation research. (Author/BW)

Universities must achieve a new maturity in institutional planning and information management to meet the challenges of the 1980s. Decision support systems are analyzed and those that combine computing technology with knowledge about decision-making art found to hold the most promise. (Author/MLW)

The statistical methods used by courts and regulatory agencies to analyze data relating to equal employment and affirmative action are reviewed, along with suggested methods for colleges and universities to produce more meaningful Equal Employment Opportunity management documents. (MSE)

Users of computer services want and are willing to pay for the ability to locate, manipulate, and analyze the information they need. Strategies for effective user relations are discussed, including how data processing personnel can discover who the users are, appropriate methods of user/data processing involvement, etc. (Author/MLW)

This second in a series of six articles introducing microcomputer applications in smaller libraries describes the main microcomputer hardware components--processors, internal and external memory, buses, printers, communications, hardware. Importance of ergonomic factors in equipment design, multi-user and network configurations, and the role of…