The basic principles of computing are explained and a discussion of how a computer performs its "logical" functions is presented. A dictionary of some computer terms is provided. (MLW)

In order to process data in a computer, application software must be either developed or purchased. Costs for modifications of the software package and maintenance are often hidden. The decision to buy or develop software packages should be based upon factors of time and maintenance. (MLF)

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are systems that can be programed to alter their procedures to suit varying production requirements. Use of and trends related to these systems in the United States and foreign countries are discussed. A detailed diagram of a hypothetical FMS is provided. (JN)

Interactive Simulation Language (ISL) is a highly interactive and graphics-oriented language. ISL use in senior design course and introductory system modeling/system behavior course is discussed (including instructional strategies, self-administered instruction, and problem assignment). A description of ISL (including block library and main menu)…

Discussion of the use of microcomputers in a cooperative public library system notes library management applications in areas of clerical work, word processing, book ordering, inventories, special collection catalogs, mailing lists, and a union list of serials. (EJS)

Discusses organization design as context for office automation; mature computer-based systems as one application of organization design variables; and emerging office automation systems (organizational information management, personal information management) as another application of these variables. Management information systems models and…

Describes a computer program which allows students to specify rather arbitrary sets of poles and zeros for the transfer function of a linear system. The computer evaluates/plots the systems impulse and step responses individually and displays them in reduced form along with the pole-zero plot. (JN)

Describes a junior high school English teacher's experience with using 10 word processors, which encouraged students to write more and to write better. (Available from: Modern Learning Publishers, Inc., 6517 Liggett, Oakland, CA 94611, $14.) (AEA)

Offers resources on technical writing published in 1981. Arranges the citations under the following categories: bibliographies, books, reviews, and articles on the profession; theory and philosophy; pedagogy; technical speech; research; designing degree programs; technical writing and the computer; writing technical articles and reports;…

Reviews computer applications in judicial, legal, and legislative information activities being used to support litigation and court administration, assist in searching for legislation and laws, aid criminal justice information systems, and provide appropriate bibliographic and reference assistance. Management issues in automating systems are…

Discusses the development and evaluation of CAVIS, which consists of an Apple microcomputer used with audiovisual dialogs. Includes research on the effects of three conditions: (1) computer with audio and visual, (2) computer with audio alone and (3) audio alone in short-term and long-term recall. (EKN)

A retrospective conversion tool permitting libraries with a microfiche reader and Apple microcomputer to convert bibliographic and holdings files to computer-readable tapes in MARC format is described. The basic process, library costs and MARC tape costs, use of system in Wisconsin, and user's view of the system are noted. (EJS)

Generation of book catalog of computer programs--"Bechtel Catalog of Computer Programs" (BECCAT)--by a corporate data processing library used by a multinational corporation is examined in terms of justification, entries, production, and distribution. Sample program entry format, library program control form, and log entry data are…

Presents survey results on the use of computers by community colleges in terms of systems employed, services provided, administrative uses, and levels of instructional use. Supplies charts showing past, current, and projected instructional computer usage. (DMM)

Describes the computer literacy program at Vassar College. Included are discussions of the computer literacy program core course, literacy program follow-up courses, types of projects in which computers were used, role of the program coordinator, as well as comments on future endeavors (such as grant support for faculty/student computer…